Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Purpose of report

To seek approval to recommend to Council that, from 1 April 2016, an Empty Homes Premium of 50% be applied for properties that have remained empty for over two years.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To recommend to Council that an Empty Homes Premium of 50% be introduced from 1 April 2016 for properties that have been empty for over two years.

Resolved

(1)           That Full Council be recommended to agree that an Empty Homes Premium of 50% be introduced from 1 April 2016 for properties that have been empty for over two years.

The Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report to seek approval to recommend to Council that, from 1 April 2016, an Empty Homes Premium of 50% be applied for properties that have remained empty for over two years.

Resolved

(1)           That Full Council be recommended to agree that an Empty Homes Premium of 50% be introduced from 1 April 2016 for properties that have been empty for over two years.

Reasons

From 1 April 2013, Local Authorities have been able to charge a premium on a class of property which has been unoccupied and unfurnished for a period of two years or more. The premium can be up to 50% on the property.

The decision to make a determination is made under Section 11B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and is made at the discretion of the Council. The Government has provided guidance as to which properties should be charged the premium but ultimately, the decision is one for members to make.

Alternative options

Option 1: To decide not to make a recommendation to Council on introducing an Empty Homes Premium of 50%.