Issue - meetings

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council the proposal to increase the long-term empty home premium as set out in paragraph 2.7 of the report, effective from 1 April 2024.

The Business Manager – Financial Services presented a report on the current position relating to the Council Tax empty homes premium charges and collection. The proposal in the report was to change the date on which the Council tax long-term empty home premium becomes due from two years to one as had been enabled by the Levelling-Up & Regeneration Bill, which received Royal Ascent in October 2023. This proposal would support the Council and Government policy in helping to reduce the number of empty homes by giving an incentive to owners to bring the properties back into use, by either selling or renting the property.

It was noted that the element of the total Council Tax liability which related to the District Council’s income, would increase by £114,500 to £229,000.

AGREED      (unanimously) that Cabinet recommends to Full Council the proposal to increase the long-term empty home premium as set out in paragraph 2.7 of the report, effective from 1 April 2024.

Reason for Decision

To enable Cabinet to consider changing the trigger date for charging empty home premium from two years to one year. 

Options Considered

The alternative is to leave charging unchanged.