To consider a report of the Executive Member for Economic Growth & Prosperity and of the Director of Finance.

The Executive Member for Economic Growth and Prosperity and Director of Finance submitted a report requesting that the Executive make recommendations to Council in respect of the proposed introduction of a Council Tax Empty Property Premium, following Government’s granting of discretion to do so and consistent with the Council’s Empty Property Strategy.

RESOLVED: That it be recommended that the Council approve:

(1)       That from 1^st April 2013 a council tax premium of 50% be applied for properties that have remained empty for more than two years.

(2)       That the Executive has the discretion to vary this premium if it deems it appropriate to do so following the expected release of guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government.