Issue - decisions

COUNCIL TAX LONG TERM EMPTY DWELLINGS

15/02/2019 - COUNCIL TAX LONG TERM EMPTY DWELLINGS

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