The report was to introduce a Council Tax premium of 100% for second homes (unoccupied and furnished dwellings) within the borough, with effect from 1 April 2025. This 100% premium is in addition to the standard Council Tax charge. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 sets out that when determining its decision, each billing authority has to adopt the agreed percentage of any premium by the 31 March prior to the financial year in which it wants to introduce the changes. This decision therefore requires agreement by 31 March 2024, to come into effect from 1 April 2025.

Cllr Kendall MOVED and Cllr Laplain SECONDED the recommendations in the report.

Cllr Kendall requested a recorded vote which was supported by Cllrs Laplain, M Cuthbert, Naylor, Mynott and Aspinell.   

FOR: Cllrs Barrett; Haigh; Aspinell; Barber; Dr Barrett; Bridge; M Cuthbert; N Cuthbert; Davies; Francois; Fulcher; Gelderbloem; Gorton; Kendall; Laplain; Marsh; Mayo; McCheyne; Munden; Murphy; Mynott; Naylor; Parker; Pound; Reed; Rigby; Sankey; Slade; Wagland; White; and Worsfold (31).

AGAINST: (0)

ABSTAIN: (0)

This was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

Members were asked to:

Approve the implementation of the Council Tax premium of 100% for second homes (unoccupied and furnished dwellings) within the Borough, with effect from 1 April 2025.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

The introduction of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 allows the Council to make amendments to the levying of Council Tax premiums within the borough with effect from 1 April 2025.

(Cllr Hirst and Poppy declared a pecuniary interest left the Chamber and did not vote on this item).