Purpose

To consider the feedback from the 12-week public consultation and the council tax premium rates on second homes and long-term empty properties and whether the rates should remain the same or be increased from April 2025.

Content

RESOLVED:   (a)         That Council support an increase to the premium of long term empty properties with an uplift from 75% to 100% to take effect from April 2025 giving 6 months’ notice to those directly impacted;   (b)          To introduce an escalator approach as follows: after 3 years a rise of 150% Council Tax premium; 5 years a 200% rise and 10 years a 300% rise; and the historical data of when a property becomes empty to be used to determine the level of premium, to take effect from April 2026 giving 18 months’ notice to those directly impacted; and   (c)          That a discretionary exemption be created to avoid the purchase of long term empty properties being disadvantaged though the Council Tax premium charge.