This report seeks agreement on changes to the Council’s current Council Tax empty homes discounts.

In approving the recommendations, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council that with effect from 1 April 2018 the ‘Major repair work’ or ‘structural alteration’ discount on empty properties will be reduced from 100% to no discount (0%) as detailed in paragraph 1.4.1.1 of the report; with effect from 1 April 2018 the discount in respect of unoccupied and substantially unfurnished discounts will be 1 month 100% discount followed by a full 100% charge as detailed in paragraph 1.4.1.2 of the report; and with effect from 1 April 2018 the Empty Homes Premium is introduced at the maximum level of 50% where the property has been empty for 2 or more years as detailed in paragraph 1.4.1.3 of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought agreement on changes to the Council’s current Council Tax empty homes discounts.

Alternative options considered:

Cabinet gave consideration to recommending an alternative policy to the ‘Major repair work’ or ‘structural alteration’ discount on empty properties.

The reason for the decision:

Local Authorities had discretion to charge between 0% and 100% Council Tax on properties which were empty.  Cabinet was satisfied that this decision would help encourage empty homes back into use as some owners may take action to improve or repair the property sooner thus preventing a negative impact on the neighbourhood.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council that:-

(1)     with effect from 1 April 2018 the ‘Major repair work’ or ‘structural alteration’ discount on empty properties will be reduced from 100% to 50% discount for 6 months with a possible further 6 months on review;

(2)     with effect from 1 April 2018 the discount in respect of unoccupied and substantially unfurnished discounts will be 1 month 100% discount followed by a full 100% charge as detailed in paragraph 1.4.1.2 of the report; and

(3)     with effect from 1 April 2018 the Empty Homes Premium is introduced at the maximum level of 50% where the property has been empty for 2 or more years as detailed in paragraph 1.4.1.3 of the report.