Decision details

The Director, Finance and Digital Services provided the Cabinet with information concerning the discretionary powers that the Council has to charge higher amounts of Council Tax (a premium) on certain properties provided for by the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and requested that they consider a formal period of consultation on a proposal to introduce a premium. 

The Director informed the Cabinet that despite the removal of a 50% discount in the council tax in April 2018, there remained over 2,000 long-term empty properties across Rhondda Cynon Taf, with 40% owned by people living outside of the Borough. It was proposed that a Council Tax Premium is introduced on long-term empty properties at 50% for those which have been empty for up to 5 years.  The level of premium would then increase to 100% for those properties which have been empty for more than 5 years. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services spoke positive of the proposal, commenting that a premium on the council tax bill would hopefully encourage more property owners to bring their empty homes back into use.

The Deputy Leader was encouraged by the proposal and sought assurance that officers would hold a robust and broad engagement process.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the details of the discretionary powers relating to Council Tax Premiums as outlined in this report;

2.    To initiate a consultation exercise on the proposed use of these powers in respect of empty properties as set out in Section 9 of the report; and

3.    That a report, including the results of the consultation exercise, be presented to full Council to consider and determine the proposed way forward.