Pembrokeshire County Council is considering whether to introduce a Council Tax premium on second homes in the area.
Council Tax is collected on domestic properties and the money is raised to part-fund local services.
The Authority’s current policy is not to award any discounts to owners of second homes and they are liable for 100 per cent Council Tax, namely the standard rate.
New legislation due to come into force by the end of January, allows each local authority in Wales the discretion to charge second homeowners additional council tax of up to 100 per cent of the standard rate – ie the premium.
Pembrokeshire County Council has just begun consulting on whether the premium should be introduced and if so, at what level it should be charged, for example at 25 per cent,50 per cent etc.
The consultation process will include writing to around 3,000 owners of second homes in the County.
It is thought that introducing an extra charge could help increase the supply of affordable housing especially in rural areas. Second homes can reduce the amount of housing available for local people.
For more information and to give your views online go to: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay
Alternatively, phone the Council’s contact centre on 01437 764551 to request a hard copy.
The deadline for responses is Monday, 22nd February.
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