Issue - meetings

Minute 54 refers

In response to a comment from Councillor J Wyllie, the Executive Member for Economic Development stated that the recommendation, if approved, would reduce the level of discount available on empty properties and so encourage their occupation.

RESOLVED – that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received;

(B)      the addition of a 50% Council Tax premium on properties which have been empty for 2 or more years, be approved;

(C)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and uninhabitable from 50% for up to 12 months to a period not exceeding 6 months at 50%, be approved; and

(D)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and substantially unfurnished from a period of up to 6 months at 50% to a period not exceeding 2 months at 50%, be approved.

(Note – Councillors M Casey, L Haysey, G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson left the chamber whilst this matter was considered – see Minute 175)

(see also Minute 177)

The Executive considered a report that considered changes to the level of Council Tax discount granted on empty homes.  It was noted that Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee had recommended that proposals be made which discouraged empty properties, with a phased approach to reducing discounts.

The Executive considered the options detailed in the report now submitted and supported their introduction from 1 April 2017.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the recommendations of the Corporate Business Scrutiny Committee be received;

(B)      the addition of a 50% Council Tax premium on properties which have been empty for 2 or more years, be approved;

(C)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and uninhabitable from 50% for up to 12 months to a period not exceeding 6 months at 50%, be approved; and

(D)      changing the period or percentage of relief granted to properties which are classified as empty and substantially unfurnished from a period of up to 6 months at 50% to a period not exceeding 2 months at 50%, be approved.

(Note – Councillors G McAndrew, M Pope and G Williamson left the chamber whilst this matter was considered – see Minute 71)