Decision details

COUNCIL TAX LONG TERM EMPTY DWELLINGS

Decision Maker: Executive Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

New legislation contained in Section 11B of LGFA 1992 amended by Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 now provides that local authorities may increase the charge for empty dwellings dependant on the period of time that the property has been empty.

Decision:

SERVICE AREA:

Governance and Pensions

SUBJECT MATTER:

COUNCIL TAX LONG TERM EMPTY DWELLINGS

DECISION:

i)     That from 1 April 2019 200% Council Tax is charged on properties that have been empty for more than 2 years;

ii)    That from 1 April 2020 200% Council Tax is charged on properties that have been empty for more than 2 years and less than 5 years and 300% is charged for properties that have been empty for more than 5 years;

iii)   That from 1 April 2021 200% Council Tax is charged on properties that have been empty for more than 2 years and less than 5 years; and 300% is charged for properties that have been empty for more than 5 years and less than 10 years; 400% is charged for properties that have been empty for more than 10 years

DECISION TAKER(S):

Executive Cabinet

DATE OF DECISION:

13 February 2019

REASON FOR DECISION:

To increase housing supply in the Borough and boost the local economy by bringing empty residential properties back into use.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS REJECTED (if any):

Members could determine to maintain the existing levels.

CONSULTEES:

The Council had undertaken a consultation exercise on proposed changes between 10 December 2018 and 18 January 2019.  The consultation was open to all members of the public via the Big Conversation web-site. Empty property owners were advised of the consultation by letter with a total of 1093 letters being sent to empty property owners who had a property empty for more than one year.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Section 151 Officer)

As detailed in the submitted report.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Borough Solicitor)

As detailed within the submitted report.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

There were no declarations of interest.

DISPENSATION GRANTED BY STANDARDS COMMITTEE ATTACHED:

Not applicable.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

The background papers relating to this report can be inspected by contacting the report author Ilys Cookson, Assistant Director of Exchequer Services.

Telephone: 0161 342 4056

e-mail: ilys.cookson@tameside.gov.uk

 

Publication date: 15/02/2019

Date of decision: 13/02/2019

Accompanying Documents: