To confirm the council’s policy on the levying of empty homes and second homes Council Tax Premiums

Council considered a report by the Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services to confirm the council’s policy on the levying of empty homes and second homes Council Tax Premiums.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services proposed the recommendations and introduced the report.

The Leader seconded the recommendations for approval.

Council debated the report.

A named vote was held to agree the proposed changes to Council Tax liabilities set out in the report. The proposed changes were carried unanimously.

FOR (48): Councillors Andrews, Baker, Bartlett, Bartrum, Biggs, Boulter, Bramer, Chowns, Cole, Cornthwaite, Crockett, Dave Davies, Durkin, Dykes, Fagan, Foxton, Gandy, Gennard, Hamblin, Heathfield, Highfield, Hitchiner, Hurcomb, James, Kenyon, Lester, Mason, Matthews, O’Driscoll, Oliver, Owens, Peberdy, Phillips, Dan Powell, Ivan Powell, Price, Proctor, Simmons, Spencer, Stark, Stoddart, Stone, Swinglehurst, Thomas, Tillett, Allan Williams, Robert Williams, and Woodall.

Against (0)

Abstentions (0)

RESOLVED: That

a)    That implementation of the following be approved:

              I.        application of the current premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied but substantially unfurnished (empty dwellings) from a period of 1 year with effect from 1 April 2024;

            II.        application of a premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied but substantially furnished (second homes) with effect from 1 April 2025; and

           III.        that the S151 Officer has delegated authority to implement the policy in line with the council’s requirements and guidance issued by the Secretary of State or regulation.