COUNCILLORS decided the level of Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty homes in Conwy County for 2023/24 at a meeting last week (December 8).

The premium is designed to encourage owners to bring empty properties into use and support the increase of affordable housing for purchase or let in local communities.

At the meeting of full Council it was decided to charge a 50 per cent Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes from April 2023.

The meeting also agreed an indicative level of 100 per cent premium on both long term empty homes and second homes from 1st April 2024 (subject to review during 2023/2024).

A public consultation took place during the summer when the council invited second and long term empty property owners, as well as those who don’t own such properties, to give their opinions on what the premium should be.

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People were also invited to give their opinion on what effect the premium has on tourism, the Welsh language and affordable housing. Over 800 responses were received.

Cllr Mike Priestley, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits said: “Councillors have taken time to consider this difficult subject in the context of the impact of the decision could have.

“It’s also important to note that the funding from the premium continues to be used to support the Council’s Housing budget, which is facing increasing pressures.”