Members of Pembrokeshire County Council have voted for a 200% Council Tax premium for second homes in the county - with the Cabinet Member for Finance stating -“The county’s need for housing has never been greater!”

At the Meeting of Council before Christmas it was decided that the premium of 200% council tax (in addition to the standard 100% Council Tax charge) be introduced on second homes from 1st April 2024.

Pembrokeshire has the second highest number of second homes in Wales.

Changes have also been made to the Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties (from 1st April, 2024).

Following an amendment from Cllr Huw Murphy there was broad support across the chamber for the following:

A Council Tax premium of 100% will apply to properties that have been empty for 24 months or more.

A Council Tax premium of 200% will apply to properties that have been empty for 36 months or more.

A Council Tax premium of 300% will apply to properties that have been empty for 48 months or more.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Alec Cormack, said: “In my speech to Council I highlighted the unprecedented level of homelessness being experienced in Pembrokeshire with a heavy reliance on the use of temporary accommodation.

“The county’s need for housing has never been greater. We must increase the availability of homes, and affordable homes, to rent or buy in Pembrokeshire and Council Tax premiums are part of the tools to work towards those aims.

“The aim is to bring long term empty properties back into use to provide safe, secure and affordable homes and also support us to increase the supply of affordable housing and so enhance the sustainability of local communities.”