Tax premiums to rise on long-term empty homes

COUNCIL tax premiums on long term empty homes are to increase from 100% to 150% to help tackle housing needs in Gwynedd.

- DALE SPRIDGEON

Cyngor Gwynedd's Full Council backed recommendations at its meeting this week.It follows the cabinet's approval of proposals for the favoured options, for the year 2026/27, agreed last month.

The council will raise the premium for homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, from 100% to 150%, but no changes are proposed on second homes.

The council is obliged to make an annual decision if it wishes to levy a council tax premium on long-term vacant properties and second homes.

Without that decision, a 50% discount on council tax on the properties would have to be offered.

Bringing homes back into use to tackle a housing crisis in the county has been part of Gwynedd's Housing Action Plan.

Cabinet member for finance Huw Wyn Jones said the tax was aimed at encouraging owners to bring empty homes back into use.

"There were 550 houses in Gwynedd that had been empty for three years or more," he said.