At the meeting of full Council on 9th March, Councillors decided the level of Council Tax Premium on second homes and long-term empty homes in Monmouthshire, which would come into effect from April 1st 2024.
The impact on Monmouthshire communities caused by long term empty homes and second homes that are rarely occupied were key reasons behind this move. For homes that remain empty for three years or more, the owners will be charged a 300% premium on their Council Tax – it is hoped this will reduce the number of empty properties in the county.
A public consultation earlier in the year invited the owners of second and long-term empty properties, as well as those who don’t own such properties, to give their opinions on what the premium should be. In total 320 responses were received.
At the meeting of full Council it was agreed that the Council use its discretionary powers to introduce:
- A council tax premium for long term empty properties on a sliding scale from 100% to 300% effective from 1st April 2024. With a 100% premium applying to properties empty for one year, a 200% premium to properties empty for two years and a 300% premium to properties empty for three years or more.
- A council tax premium for second homes of 100% from 1st April 2024, and will give further consideration to the impact on the local economy before utilising that power.
Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of the Council said: “Our county faces many challenges when it comes to housing. These include rising house prices, an increasing demand for affordable housing and the need for temporary accommodation to respond to the high levels of homelessness faced. I am pleased that we have been able to all work together to consider this complex issue, agree a way forward to tackle it and hopefully make available more homes in the county.”
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said: “This decision means that additional revenue generated from these premiums will, in line with Welsh Government guidance, help bring long term empty properties back into use to provide safe, secure and affordable homes and to help to increase the supply of affordable housing and enhance the sustainability of local communities.”
Cllr. Rachel Garrick, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “This is a major step forward to encourage owners to bring empty properties into use. It will support the increase of affordable housing for purchase or let in local communities. This in turn will enhance local communities, by allowing people to find an affordable home locally.”
