Purpose

To approve the report to reduce the current empty property duration allowed prior to a LTEPP commencing, down from two years to one year. This change is provided for within the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, taking into account all exceptions laid out within The Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024, published on 1 November 2024.

If the report is approved the change from two years down to one year will take effect at Vale from 1 April 2026.

Decision

RECOMMENDED to Council on 13 February 2025 that, with effect from 1 April 2026, the following amendments are made to the council’s long-term empty property premiums (LTEPP):

a)    to reduce the current empty property duration allowed, prior to a council tax LTEPP commencing, down from two years to one year. This change is provided for within the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023

b)    to adopt all LTEPP exceptions laid out within the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024, published on 1 November 2024 (listed within the body of the report).