Merthyr Tydfil Council is considering introducing higher rates of council tax for long term empty properties and second homes. A consultation has been launched around charging council tax premiums on these properties in the county borough.
From April 1, 2017, councils in Wales have had discretionary powers to charge council tax premiums on long term empty properties and second homes. This means that a property that has remained unoccupied and largely unfurnished for a continuous period of at least one year may be liable for a premium charge.
This could be up to 300% from April 1, 2023, on top of the standard rate of council tax. The same will apply for those properties classified as second homes. In Merthyr Tydfil there are currently over 450 long term empty properties which have been vacant for six months or more and the council currently charges a full charge (100%) council tax for long term empty and second homes. You can get more Merthyr news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
