Second homeowners face council tax hike in Powys
Second and holiday homeowners in Powys will have to pay a council tax premium of 75 per cent from April next year.
Powys County Council's cabinet voted for the hike which could add an extra £350,000 to the council’s coffers.
The report says that increasing the premium to 75 per cent will increase the average council tax for each of 1,311 identified properties, to £3,310.45
The rise, which was agreed at a full council meeting in September 2020 before going out to consultation a few months later, leading to questions being asked why it hadn’t yet been implemented.
Finance portfolio holder, Councillor Aled Davies explained that a consultation on the proposal had taken place in late 2020 that received 780 responses.
“The overall view from the consultation was negative to increasing the premium. It’s not really surprising nobody wants to see higher levels of taxation.
“However, most of those who responded were people who own second homes.”
Councillor Elwyn Vaughan who was behind the motion to increase the council tax that was approved at council, said: “It’s not a new problem for rural Wales or parts of rural England.
“What we have seen in recent years is property prices have gone silly in many communities.”
He said property prices had escalated beyond the reach of young people.
“This won’t resolve all of the ills facing the housing sector and our communities, but it will send a clear message that we understand the challenges and want to support our young people.”
