Issue - meetings

Call In Procedure - Subject to Pre-Decision Scrutiny: This decision is exempt from the Authority’s Call In Procedure as “the decision has been subject to Pre-Decision Scrutiny and there is no material change in relevant information / evidence”.

The Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) submitted a report which provided information and sought consideration of whether to continue to allow 50% Council Tax discounts on unoccupied and unfurnished properties after any statutory period of exemption expires.

Resolved that:

1)              The details of the discretionary powers relating to Council Tax premiums, discretionary discounts for unoccupied and unfurnished dwellings and the related issues outlined in this report be noted;

2)              A consultation exercise be undertaken in respect of the following:

i)            Whether to cease to allow a 50% Council Tax discount on dwellings that remain unoccupied and unfurnished after any statutory period of exemption has expired;

ii)           Whether to charge a Council Tax Premium of up to 100% for dwellings that have been unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 12 months (long term empty properties);

iii)             Whether to charge a Council Tax Premium of up to 100% for dwellings occupied periodically, commonly referred to as “second homes”.