Issue - meetings

Cabinet agreed that Council ought to send the message that Council did not accept a situation where the district had long term empty properties which could be put to good use.

Speaking under Council Procedure Rule 24.1, Councillor Binks suggested and Members agreed that the text in the Cabinet report should have the wording “substantially” added to paragraph 1.0; first sentence to read as follows;

‘The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Regulations 2012 give billing authorities the discretion to levy an empty homes premium of up to 50% on council tax payable in respect of dwellings that have been left empty and substantially unfurnished for two years or more.’

Councillor D. Saunders and Councillor King also spoke under Council Procedure Rule 24.1.

Councillor Everitt proposed, Councillor Nicholson seconded and Members agreed the following:

To approve going out to consultation for a month on introducing a “long term empty” premium for Council Tax. A report will be produced at the end of the period setting out the results and recommended next steps.