Decision details

To agree care leaver disregard and empty homes premium

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet recommends to Council:-

(a)  That the empty homes premium is increased from 150% to 200% for properties that have been vacant and unfurnished for more than five years;

(b)  That the empty homes premium is increased from 150% to 300% for properties that have been vacant and unfurnished for more than ten years;

(c)   Where a property subject to an empty homes premium and a new owner becomes liable for council tax, they will be exempt from the premium for a 6 month period; and

(d)  The adoption of a care leaver disregard for care lavers aged under 25.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and highlighted that the empty homes premiums were not designed as an income generator but as an encouragement to get long term empty properties back into use.

A number of Members expressed their support for the care leaver disregard element of the report, in giving some of the District’s most vulnerable young people a positive start in adult life.

Executive Management Team, Portfolio Holder – Finance, Investment and Corporate Services, Corporate Affairs and Local Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel