Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report which sought approval of an amendment to policy to allow officers to grant up to an additional 12 months 10% council tax discount to accounts where the Planning and Building Control process has taken a significant period of time and where there is clear evidence of building works having started.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee approved an amendment to the policy for charging double council tax on long term empty properties so that where major repairs are still underway which require planning permission and/or building warrant, and the property has recently been purchased by a new owner, the double charge is only applied after a 24 month period in particular circumstances where senior management approve such measures and conclusive evidence is provided showing no unreasonable delays to works by the parties liable for Council Tax.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Customer Services dated 7 September 2018, submitted)