Agenda item

To submit the report of the Director of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

A report by the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager setting out the outcome of the consultation on options with regard to the long-term empty homes premium was presented for the Executive’s consideration. The consultation opened on 29 September 2025 and closed on 7 November 2025 and was open to Anglesey residents as well as long-term empty property owners.

Councillor Robin Williams, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Member for Finance, Corporate Business and Customer Experience presented the report, noting that several options were considered as part of the consultation as detailed in the report. A total of 449 responses were received, of which 136 were partially completed and 313 completed in full. Having considered the responses, the Executive’s recommended option is Option 5 – to set the level of the premium based on the length of time the property has been empty:

·           less than 5 years – 100%.

·           between 5 and 6 years – 125%.

·           between 6 and 7 years – 150%.

·           between 7 and 8 years – 175%.

·           between 8 and 9 years – 200%.

·           between 9 and 10 years – 250%.

·           over 10 years – 300%

This would  be implemented from April 2027. The aim is to encourage long-term empty property owners to bring their properties back into use, helping to provide safe and affordable homes and increasing the supply of affordable housing locally. Councillor Robin Williams highlighted that there are exceptions to the premium on long term empty properties, which are listed in Appendix 2 of the report.

The Revenues and Benefits Service Manager confirmed that long term empty property owners would be given notice of any changes to the existing premium arrangements if approved. She further confirmed that the service has sufficient capacity to deal with any enquiries.

The Executive noted that the 805 currently empty properties on the Island could significantly help address housing need, given that around 950 people, including families, are on the housing register waiting list. The objective is to bring these properties back into use through sale or rent as part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of empty homes and support the Council Plan objective of ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

Executive members acknowledged that some individuals may have inherited large homes requiring substantial upgrades, making them difficult to sell. However, they noted that the majority of long term empty properties fall within Council Tax Bands A to D, with fewer than a quarter in Band E or above (Table 1.3 refers). Members also noted the availability of schemes to help bring empty properties back into use, such as Leasing Scheme Wales and encouraged anyone unsure of their position to explain their circumstances and seek advice from the Council. They emphasised the importance of communicating clearly with empty property owners to explain the rationale for changing the premium.

In response to a query from an Executive member about whether communications regarding premium changes could also include information about support schemes such as Leasing Scheme Wales, the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager confirmed that she would look into this.

It was resolved –

·      To note the outcome of the Council Tax Premium consultation.

·      To approve Option 5 for implementation from 1 April 2027 – to set the level of the premium based on the length of time the property has been empty from the date the property first became empty, but with a starting premium of 100%.

·      That the Executive consider how the associated income should be allocated in line with the Council’s strategic priorities.