Councillor Raises Concerns About Empty Properties in Merthyr Tydfil
A recent meeting in Merthyr Tydfil raised concerns about the number of long-term empty properties in the area while people are left without homes. Councillors discussed implementing a 200% council tax premium on properties that have been vacant for more than a decade in an effort to incentivise owners to put them back into use.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, November 6, saw proposals approved to change council tax premiums on long-term empty homes. These changes will take effect from April next year. The new premiums include a 150% charge for properties empty for over five years but less than 10 years, and a 100% charge for properties empty for more than one year but less than five years.
Additionally, second homes in Merthyr Tydfil will continue to face a 100% council tax premium from April 2025. The plans also outline exemptions for new owners and properties under renovation. Councillor Clive Jones commented on the need to address the issue of long-term empty properties, highlighting that there are currently 1,080 empty properties in the borough, with 643 of them vacant for over six months to more than 20 years.
Councillor Geraint Thomas stressed the importance of bringing these properties back into use to prevent them from blighting communities. He also pointed out the rapid increase in house prices in Merthyr, with the average house price exceeding £100,000. Thomas proposed the need for additional legislation to empower the council to compel property owners to sell vacant dwellings.
A report presented during the meeting revealed that as of August 31, 2024, there were 1,080 empty and unfurnished properties in Merthyr Tydfil, with 643 of them vacant for extended periods. The report indicated overwhelming support for varying council tax premiums based on the duration of property vacancy.
Since April 2017, councils in Wales have had discretionary powers to impose a 100% premium on long-term empty homes and second homes. The Merthyr Tydfil Council has been collecting revenue from these premiums, with projected figures showing a steady increase in revenue from empty properties and second homes in the coming years.
Moving forward, councillors will consider further measures to intervene in cases where property owners fail to take action to reuse vacant properties. The aim is to address the housing crisis in Merthyr Tydfil and ensure that properties are utilized efficiently for the benefit of the community.