Purpose

The
Council has the discretion to amend the council tax premium to 100%
(200% in total) for properties empty between one and five years
(currently between two and five years) from 1 April
2024.
 
The
Council has the discretion to charge an additional 100% (200% in
total) on all second homes from 1 April 2025.
 
Executive approval was sought in October 2022 to align future
long term empty home premiums with the Levelling Up and Regeneration
Bill changes once the Bill received Royal Assent, which it did on
26 October 2023.
 
This
report seeks final approval to implement these premiums as well as
to consult on a proposed Exemption Policy in line with the national
consultation.

Decision

That the Executive gives approval to:

·      
 Consult on the proposed
Council Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premium Exemption
Policy;

·      
 Note that the Council
Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premiums Exemption Policy will be
presented to the Executive for consideration and approval following
conclusion of the consultation exercise;

·      
 Increase the council tax
empty homes premium to 100% (200% in total) for properties empty
between one and five years (currently between two and five years)
from 1 April 2024; and

·      
Implement the discretionary 100% second homes
council tax premium (200% in total) from 1 April
2025.