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Have Your Say - Council Tax Premium


Consultation on the review of the Council Tax Premium Scheme for long term empty properties and second homes.

 

The consultation is now closed.

Flintshire County Council undertook a public consultation from 8th November 2021 to 6th December 2021 to provide all members of the public and interested parties the opportunity to have their say on the future of the Council Tax Premium Scheme. 

Consultation responses will now help to shape the Council Tax Premium scheme for 2023-24.


Local authorities in Wales have discretionary powers to charge, or vary, a council tax premium of up to 100% above the standard rate of council tax on certain classes of second homes and long-term empty properties.

Houses Web

Flintshire County Council introduced a premium scheme in 2017 and since then a council tax premium level of 50% has been charged on second homes and long–term empty properties.  

The premium of 50% is currently charged on properties that are not in use as someone`s sole or main residence due to either being:

  • A long-term empty property which is defined as one that has been empty and has had no resident  for over 12 months; or
  • A second home which is defined as a dwelling that is substantially furnished and occupied only periodically, for example a holiday home.

Not every property that falls into the categories above pays a premium and the scheme provides limited exceptions (some time-limited and some indefinite) where the premium would not apply.  The exceptions include properties being marketed for sale or let, annexes, and seasonal properties where year round occupation is prohibited.

The latest analysis of properties shows a total of 772 properties are currently subject to the 50% premium charge, consisting of 605 long term empty properties and 167 second homes. This equates to 1.1% of all domestic properties in Flintshire being liable for the premium charge. 

Council Tax Premium Nov 2021

When considering whether or not to amend the premium levels, the discretion given to local authorities to charge a premium is intended to be a tool to help local authorities to:

  • Bring long-term empty homes back into use to provide safe, secure and affordable homes; and
  • Increase the supply of affordable housing and enhance the sustainability of local communities. 

Currently 11 local authorities in Wales, including Flintshire apply a premium scheme with the level of premium set by each authority varying from 25% to 100%. 

The Council is now consulting with the public as part of the process of reviewing if the premium level should be changed in the future. We are committed to giving you the opportunity to have your say.

The responses you provide are completely anonymous and the on-line questionnaire should only take a few minutes of your time to complete.  

The consultation is open for a four week period from 8th November 2021 and will close at 5pm on 6th December 2021.