Purpose

To approve the council tax charges for 2025/26

Content

(a)       That the 2025/26 Council Tax be set based on a 9.5% uplift in the County Council charges, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report;   (b)       That the continuation of the policy of not providing a discount in the level of 2025/26 Council Tax charges for second homes and long-term empty homes be endorsed. Also, where exceptions do not apply, to charge the Council Tax Premium rate of 100% above the standard rate of Council Tax for designated long-term empty dwellings and 100% for second homes from 1st April 2025, in accordance with the decision of Council in September 2024; and   (c)       That approval be given for designated officers to issue legal proceedings and appear on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates’ Court for unpaid taxes.