Stepped increases in Council Tax premiums, rising to 300 per cent on long-term empty properties that have been empty for 10 years or more, have been supported by the majority of Powys councillors.

At a Powys County Council meeting on Thursday, October 8, councillors received a report on introducing incremental increases to Council Tax on long-term empty properties from April next year.

This would see properties that have been “continuously empty” for between one year and five years remain at the 100 per cent premium level.

For those “continuously empty” for between five and 10 years, a 200 per cent premium would apply.

Properties “continuously empty” for 10 years or more would be subject to a 300 per cent premium.

The Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet supported the move last month and recommended that full council approve the proposal.

Cllr Pete Lewington (Conservative – Newtown West) said: “There are currently 897 long-term empty properties.

“We started at 1,060 eight years ago (2017/2018) when we had charges of 50 per cent come in.

“When that went up to 100 per cent, it only dropped by 40.”

This was in 2023/2024, when the figures showed there were 1,023 long-term empty properties.

Cllr Lewington said: “Perhaps it’s not the premium charge that will bring these properties back into use; it’s understanding the reasons behind it.”

He believed the report should have included an analysis of the reasons why properties were empty for “so long.”

He also wondered whether many were “subject to an exemption or discount.”

Finance portfolio holder Cllr David Thomas (Labour – Tawe Uchaf) believed the drop in numbers supported the theory that an incremental rise would see owners “dispose of the properties and bring them back onto the market at a faster rate.”

“This is working to reduce homelessness in the county, which has to be a positive thing,” said Cllr Thomas.

Conservative group leader Cllr Aled Davies (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llansilin) said: “There needs to be more carrot and a lot less stick.

“The levels have not changed significantly over the years despite the premium increasing.

“It will be seen as revenue raising rather than getting empty homes into occupation.”

He suggested that the premium should be reduced for “early years and increase it later.”

Cllr Bev Baynham (Powys Independents – Presteigne) said: “I’m just concerned that one year is not long when you are trying to renovate your property.”

She believed that five years was long enough when dealing with inheritance and probate issues.

Director of corporate services and S151 officer Jane Thomas said: “There are a number of exemptions that can support people. I understand that it can be very difficult when you are waiting for decisions from third parties.”

Councillors were told that residents could apply for relief and, if there is “genuine hardship”, the charges could be removed beyond the 12-month period if the case is made and agreed by a cabinet member.

Deputy council leader Cllr Matthew Dorrance (Labour – Brecon West) said: “How do we serve the public when we have hundreds if not thousands waiting for accommodation, children in B&Bs, all the while properties sit empty.

“This policy is fair, there is dispensation and relief built into the process, so it doesn’t become punitive and we don’t persecute people.

“I don’t think it’s fair that people languish on waiting lists while there are properties that sit empty that could be providing safe homes for the people we serve.”

Cllr Gareth Hughes (Reform UK – Nantmel and Llanyre) said: “As far as on the housing waiting list, it’s questionable that people would be going to these properties.”

“You’ll just encourage more people from outside of Powys to move into these properties.”

At the end of the debate, Cllr Davies did try to move an amendment to change the premiums so that they started at 50 per cent.

But he was stopped by the head of legal services and monitoring officer Debby Jones.

This was because council chairman Cllr Geoff Morgan (Reform UK – Ithon Valley) had already called for the recommendation to be read out, which led to the vote.

This saw 32 councillors vote in favour, 23 vote against and four abstain.