50 per cent council tax hike for Pembrokeshire second home owners proposed

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet has recommended placing a 100 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes.

It also plans to retain an existing 100 per cent empty homes premium.

The county currently has the second highest rate of second or empty homes and long term empty homes in Wales and in 2017 the Council introduced a 50 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes and a premium of up to 100 per cent on long term empty homes.

Reducing the number of second homes and long term empty homes is seen as desirable as increasing the supply of affordable housing across Pembrokeshire is a priority.

Second homes and empty properties reduce the number of houses available to local residents.

The additional money currently raised in Pembrokeshire is being used to support the development of affordable housing, such as a long-term housing project in Solva, as well as providing grants to local projects through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant fund.

The Council is currently developing an Affording Housing Strategy that will include a range of Low Cost Home Ownership options, and have submitted an Empty Property Action Plan to Welsh Government for consideration.

Councillor Bob Kilmister, Cabinet Member for Finance wanted to thank all those who responded to its consultation which closed in July.

He said: “Following our public consultation, Cabinet met this morning, October 4th and I proposed to recommend a 50 per cent increase in the second home surcharge to full Council, which was agreed.

“While people from elsewhere in the UK find it relatively easy to afford property in Pembrokeshire, it is much more difficult for those living and earning locally.

“A high proportion of second homes in a community also poses a threat to the viability of local schools and opportunities to nurture and grow the Welsh language.”

The final decision will be made by all councillors on 14 October 2021.

(Lead image: Pembrokeshire Council)