Caerphilly County Borough Council

11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 04:39

New drive to tackle empty properties

New drive to tackle empty properties

Posted on : 21 Nov 2024 Owners of empty properties and second homes across the Caerphilly county borough are being advised of additional Council Tax charges that will come into effect on April 1st 2025.

Caerphilly county borough council has agreed to introduce Council Tax Premiums on Second Homes and Long-Term Empty Properties in an effort to bring long-term empty and underused homes back into use and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Letters are being circulated to domestic property owners advising them of the new premiums, which will be as follows:
Second Homes 100% Premium
Long-term Empty Properties: -
Empty longer than 2 years 100% Premium
Empty longer than 3 years 200% Premium
Empty longer than 5 years 300% Premium

The premiums will be charged on top of the 100% standard rate of Council Tax

Cllr Shayne Cook, CCBC Cabinet Member for Housing said, "Increasing the Council Tax charges on long-term empty properties and second homes will encourage the owners to bring their properties back into use for the benefit of the local community and economy."

"We are writing to all those affected to ensure they have plenty of advanced notice of the changes that will be implemented in April next year," he added.

There are a number of exemptions to the new premiums and council staff will be working with property owners over the coming months to discuss whether they meet the relevant criteria.

The council also has an Empty Property Team, who are able to support property owners to bring their properties back into beneficial use. The team can advise about the range of help and financial support that may be available. For further information please visit the Empty Property website at www.caerphillynouseempty.co.uk or call 01443 811 382.