Pembrokeshire County Councillors have voted to revise and simplify the long-term empty properties council tax premium.
Previously the premium increased incrementally. However, Members agreed in December that from April 1st 2025 one rate of 300% will apply to all properties that have been empty for two years or more.
Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”
The premium is in addition to the standard council tax charge and applies to all three elements – Council, Police & Crime Commissioner and Town & Community Councils.
Council taxpayers who are renovating their properties can apply for a council tax exemption which can be applied to the property for a maximum period of 12 months if the property requires major repair works or structural alteration.
This exemption means that no council tax is payable for this 12-month period.
If the exemption has already been awarded taxpayers can apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the level of the long-term empty property premium. In such instances the standard council tax charge is still payable.
Each case is considered on its own merits and taxpayers are required to provide written details of the works required together with photographic evidence.
This discount is normally awarded for up to maximum period of 12 months.
If you wish to apply for this discount, email [email protected] or write to Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.
Pembrokeshire County Council is also participating in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme which will give owners of empty properties access to a grant of up to £25,000 if their property meets the required criteria and further information on this grant can be found online: https://www.nationalemptyhomesgrant.wales
Interest free loans are also available and further information on who is eligible can be found via https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/private-housing/empty-home-loans
