Decision details

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

The Director noted that there was a typographical error at paragraph 10 which references ‘5 years’ and that recommendation 2.2 should include reference to ‘second homes’; and with Cabinet’s agreement the minor amendments would be made to the original report so that there is no confusion through the consultation process.

The Leader was happy to include the above-mentioned amendments and noted that the consultation would be targeted at those directly affected. The Leader added that the report forms part of the Council’s drive to reduce the number of long-term empty properties within the County Borough. The Leader stated that a focus should be put on old properties being brought back into use, as well as creating new homes.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services hoped that the four week consultation would be diverse and was pleased to note that each empty property owner would receive a written letter from the Local Authority to advise of the consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities echoed previous comments about bringing the properties back into use and felt that the approach was important in helping the Council meet its wider Housing Strategy needs.

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 and second homes as set out in Section 10; and

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