Wiltshire Council's extraordinary meeting on 7 January 2026 saw a significant debate on the proposed disposal of St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park in Trowbridge, which was ultimately defeated by a tied vote. Councillors also discussed and approved an extension to the council tax premium on long-term empty homes, but rejected a proposal to introduce a premium on second homes.

St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park, Trowbridge

Councillors debated the proposed capital budget increase of £2.5 million to facilitate the freehold transfer of St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park in Trowbridge to the owner of the adjacent Castle Place Shopping Centre. The report presented outlined that the car park was a significant liability, with a legal covenant requiring over 400 free parking spaces in perpetuity. Extensive repairs were needed to keep the car park open beyond 2027, and legal advice indicated that challenging the covenant would be unlikely to succeed.

Councillor Helen Belcher OBE, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, moved the proposal, highlighting that disposing of the asset was the most cost-effective option with acceptable risk, allowing for the site's redevelopment. She explained that retaining the site would necessitate costly repairs and rebuilding without revenue generation, while acquiring the shopping centre was not guaranteed and would involve significant expenditure.

However, the proposal faced considerable opposition. Councillor Richard Clewer, Conservative Group Leader, expressed concerns about the lack of detailed financial information and argued that challenging the covenant, despite the low probability of success, was worth the estimated cost. Councillor Ed Rimmer, Reform UK Group Leader, also opposed the deal, stating that other options had not been fully explored and that the covenant should be tested. Several councillors raised concerns about transparency, the lack of information regarding business rates paid by the shopping centre owner, and the potential impact on nearby businesses.

Despite arguments from supporters that the £2.5 million represented a sound investment in redeveloping a key brownfield site and would remove a liability from the council's books, the motion was defeated by a tied vote of 45-45, with Councillor Laura Mayes, the Chairman, using her casting vote against the proposal.

Introduction of a Council Tax Second Homes Premium

The council debated a proposal to introduce a 100% council tax premium on second homes, to take effect from April 2027. Councillor Gavin Grant, Cabinet Member for Finance, moved the recommendation, stating that the policy, introduced by the previous Conservative government, would generate additional revenue and encourage second home owners to make their properties available for permanent residents or long-term rental. He highlighted that many other councils had adopted similar measures.

The proposal was met with significant opposition. Councillor Richard Clewer, Conservative Group Leader, argued that the policy was unfair and premature, as the long-term effects of such premiums in other areas were not yet known. Councillor Ed Rimmer, Reform UK Group Leader, stated that people should not pay double council tax for owning an additional property, and that the policy would deter people from investing in Wiltshire. Councillor Ernie Clark, Independent Group Leader, questioned the impact of the premium on capital gains tax.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the fairness of the tax, its practicality due to potential loopholes, and its effectiveness in addressing the housing crisis. Councillor Bridget Wayman questioned the rationale behind penalising second home owners without understanding their reasons for keeping properties empty.

Ultimately, the proposal was rejected by 46 votes to 44, with one abstention.

Extension of the Council Tax Long-term Empty Homes Premium

Councillors voted to approve an extension of the council tax premium on long-term empty homes. Councillor Gavin Grant, Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed increasing the premium to the maximum permissible levels, with the aim of encouraging owners to bring properties back into use and generating additional revenue. The proposal included a tiered system: a 100% premium for properties empty for two to five years, a 200% premium for five to ten years, and a 300% premium for properties empty for over ten years.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Philip Whitehead, seconded by Councillor Richard Clewer, to change the initial period for the 100% premium from one to five years to two to five years. Councillor Grant accepted this amendment, and the debate continued on the amended motion.

The proposal, as amended, was widely supported, with councillors agreeing on the need to tackle long-term empty properties. Concerns were raised by some about properties being left empty for valid reasons, but the overall consensus was that the premium was a necessary measure. The amended motion was carried with 87 votes in favour, 3 against, and 1 abstention.

Fees and Charges Framework

The council approved a new framework for setting fees and charges, along with proposed increases for 2026/27. Councillor Gavin Grant, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the report, explaining that it was important to keep fees and charges in line with inflation and market circumstances.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Richard Clewer, Conservative Group Leader, and accepted by Councillor Grant. The amendment stipulated that all fees and charges not set by central government would be automatically increased by a minimum of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figure each year. Any exceptions would require agreement from the Section 151 officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance. The amendment also ensured this automatic increase would apply to the 2026/27 budget, with any exceptions reported back to Full Council.

The amended proposal was passed unanimously.

The meeting also noted the sad passing of former councillors John Smale and John Knight, and congratulated local organisations and residents on receiving King's Awards for Voluntary Service and New Year's Honours.