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RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 

That the Executive:

 

a)      
Considered and endorsed the
proposals to introduce a premium for Long Term Empty Properties
once they have been empty for one year (currently two years)
effective from 1st
April 2026 and introduced a
premium for Second Homes effective from 1st
April 2027, giving Council
Taxpayers the required 12 months’ notice of intention to
introduce this premium.

 

b)      
Recommended the introduction of
the proposed Council Tax Premiums to Council at its meeting on
11th
December 2025.

 

 

Reason for Recommendations
– To encourage owners
to bring properties back into use more quickly to address housing
shortages. 
This assists the Council meeting
its commitments in its Corporate Plan by improving the standard of
new and existing homes and ensuring housing supply meets
demand.

 

Alternative Options
Considered –
The alternative option considered
was to keep the existing long term empty premium for properties
empty for two years or more and to not introduce the second home
premium. 
Given the priority to increase
available housing in North Northamptonshire this would not help
utilise this measure to encourage owners to bring properties back
in to use.