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

Recommendation:
Cabinet recommends to Council 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) adopting 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 below).