Further tax hike mooted for empty homes

Councillors could consider upping the rate of council tax premiums on empty homes in Gwynedd to bring them in line with the rate for second homes in the county.

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The idea was discussed by councillors as they agreed to extend a project which is aiming to help fight a housing crisis in the county.

Cyngor Gwynedd’s cabinet approved a proposal to extend its Housing Action Plan [HAP] for another two years to the end of the 2028/29 financial year, at its meeting on Tuesday, May 13. The HAP includes 33 projects aimed at providing residents with access to ‘suitable, affordable and quality’ homes. Among its objectives is tackling homelessness.

The cabinet agreed to commit to providing a sum of £6m raised from the council tax premium fund, towards the HAP's extension. The council currently charges a 100% council tax premium on homes empty for 12 months or more. It was suggested that this could eventually be brought in line with the rate for second homes, currently 150%.