Decision details

To update and seek agreement on the proposed policy for applying council tax empty homes premium including relevant exemptions premium and giving notice of the Councils intention to introduce second homes premium from 1 April 2026.

Resolved

(1)          That the proposed policy for the Council Tax Empty Homes Premium be approved and notice be given of the Councils intention to adopt a premium on second homes from 1 April 2026.

It is important that the Council has up to date policies and procedures for its statutory and key service areas and it is important that they are legislatively and operationally sound.

Consultation was undertaken as part of the budget for adopting a premium after 12 months was met a 92 % positive response.  The adopting a premium on second homes effective from 1 April 2026 received 88% positive response.

Recommended to comply with the council’s objective of reducing the number of long-term empty properties and adopting premiums on second homes from 1 April 2026.

Option 1: Not bring forward a reviewed and amended policy. However, this will reduce the incentive to bring long term empty homes back into use and result in reduced future income to the authority.

None