Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet has recommended amending the existing empty homes premium to charge the additional 100% Council Tax premium after one year, introducing a second homes premium of 100%, providing delegated authority for exceptions to the premiums, and agreeing to report back on the properties falling under the scheme after 12 months.
summary: The decision is about applying a Council Tax premium on empty and unfurnished properties after one year instead of two, and implementing a premium on second homes.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to amend Council Tax premiums on empty and unfurnished properties and introduce a premium on second homes.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves potentially increasing taxes on certain property owners, which could be unpopular with affected stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Property owners", "Residents", "Local government"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/moderngov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=11944
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: The report sets out the factors for consideration for the Council to apply a Council Tax premium on empty and unfurnished properties after one year rather than two. It also allows the Council to implement a premium on dwellings on second homes.
Content: The report sets out the factors for consideration for the Council to apply a Council Tax premium on empty and unfurnished properties after one year rather than two. It also allows the Council to implement a premium on dwellings on second homes. The Cabinet has recommended that Council: a) amends the existing empty homes premium to charge the additional 100% Council Tax premium after one year of the conditions being met, rather than the current two years, with effect from 1st April 2026; b) approves the introduction of a second homes premium of 100% with effect from 1st April 2026; c) provides delegated authority for the Section 151 Officer, in conjunction with the Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, to adopt a policy setting out exceptions to the premiums in line with any regulations or guidance issued by Central Government, and to make subsequent updates to the policy as and when required; and d) agrees that an update of the numbers of the properties falling under the scheme be reported back to the democratic cycle once the new policy has been in place for 12 months. As outlined in the report. As outlined in the report. As outlined in the report.
Date of Decision: November 12, 2024