Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty homes to be decided

Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty homes to be decided

Councillors at Conwy County Borough Council will decide the level of Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty homes in Conwy County for 2025/26 at meetings over the next few weeks.

The public were asked their opinions in a consultation which took place between 8 July and 18 August 2024 when 691 responses were received.

Councillors have also been looking at the implications and consequences that might be associated with different levels of council tax premiums. to help their decision making process.

Council Tax Premiums are a way for local authorities to encourage owners to bring empty properties into use, to support the increase of affordable housing for purchase or to let and to try to enhance the sustainability of local communities.

Now Councillors will be asked to decide whether to accept the recommendations from the Affordable Housing (Council Tax Premium) Working Group which met last month:

• Charge a 150% Council Tax Premium for second homes from 1 April 2025.
• Charge a 200% Council Tax Premium for long term empty homes that have been empty for up to 5 years or less from 1 April 2025.
• Charge a 300% Council Tax Premium for long term empty homes that have been empty for 5 years or more from 1 April 2025.
• An indicative level of premium of 200% on both categories from 1 April 2026, with an increased premium of 300% for long term empty properties which have been empty for 4 years or more, subject to review during 2025/26.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Leader Conwy County Borough Council, said,“These premiums are primarily about trying to increase the supply of affordable housing in the County, at a time when more and more people are finding themselves unable to find suitable housing.”

“It’s important to remember that revenue raised goes towards supporting the pressures on the Council’s housing budget at a time when the financial outlook for all Local Authorities remains challenging.”

There are a range of measures available to help support anyone with an empty home to bring it back into use. Owners are encouraged to contact the Council’s housing team: emptyhomes@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 574235.

The report about Premiums will be discussed by the Council’s Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (7 October) and will go to Cabinet (8 October) before a final decision is made by Council (17 October). The meetings can be watched on the Council’s website here: Conwy Local Democracy : Monthly meetings calendar - October 2024