Powys Council backs 300% tax premium on decade-empty homes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 10:43 · Archive

Powys councillors have backed Council Tax premiums rising to 300% for homes empty for 10 years or more, with stepped charges from April.

Powys councillors have backed incremental increases in Council Tax premiums on long-term empty properties from April, with rates rising to 300% for homes empty for 10 years or more. Properties continuously empty for one to five years will face a 100% premium, those empty five to ten years a 200% premium, and those empty for a decade or longer a 300% premium. The Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet supported the move last month and recommended full council approval.

There are currently 897 long-term empty properties in Powys. The council introduced a 50% premium eight years ago when there were 1,060 such properties. When that was increased to 100% in 2023/2024, the number fell to 1,023, a reduction of only 40 properties.

Conservative councillor Pete Lewington said the premium charges might not be the key to returning properties to use. He believed the report should have included an analysis of why properties remained empty and whether many were subject to exemptions or discounts.

How it is being reported

• Long-term empty homes to face 300% council tax premium in PowysThere are currently 897 long-term empty properties in PowysCambrian News · 10 Oct, 10:00
• Powys Council backs 300 per cent tax premium on homes empty for 10 yearsPowys councillors back Council Tax premiums of up to 300% for long-term empty homes, with stepped charges from April and relief for genuine hardship.County Times · 8 Oct, 17:09

In this story: Powys Council · Powys · Pete Lewington

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