Second home owners in Gwynedd could soon face 100% tax premium as council looks to tackle housing crisis

Gwynedd Council is carrying out a public consultation on a proposal to increase the council tax premium on second homes and long term empty properties up to 100% for the 2021/22 financial year.

Since April 2018, the council has set a 50% council tax premium on these properties.

However, research commissioned by the council’s cabinet on managing the use of holiday homes shows that numbers continue to increase in the county.

The Welsh Government has given councils the power to raise an additional amount of up to 100% over the standard level of council tax on such properties.

Gwynedd Council is keen to hear the views of residents on whether a higher rate of council tax should be introduced on second homes and empty homes.

It is expected that Gwynedd Council will decide on its policy over the coming months, but before a full council meeting considers the matter there is now an opportunity for members of the public to submit their comments by completing a short questionnaire.

Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “Since April 2018, the council has raised an additional 50% of council tax on owners of second homes and empty properties, with this money being earmarked for housing schemes here in Gwynedd.

“Recent research has shown that the holiday homes emergency within the county has reached a critical point and that many people in Gwynedd find it near impossible to get a foot on the housing market – both to buy and to rent.

“The reality is that high house prices due to the demand for holiday units and second homes are pushing prices far beyond the reach of local people in an increasing number of our towns and villages.

“We are therefore pleased that money secured through the council tax premium has been earmarked for the Gwynedd Housing Action Plan which will aim to support the people of Gwynedd to access suitable housing in our communities.

“The council has the power to charge 100% premium on second homes and long-term empty houses.

“We are therefore keen to hear the views of Gwynedd residents, second home owners and those who own properties that have been vacant for some time on the way forward.”

The consultation is open until 1 February 2021. To take part, visit: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/PremiumConsultation or for a paper copy, call 01766 771000.