Denbighshire council discusses second homes tax hike

Denbighshire looks set to be the next county to ask owners of second homes and long-term empty properties to pay a council tax premium.

A report to councillors said Wrexham, Flintshire and Powys councils already charge an extra 50%, with Anglesey and Ceredigion charging 25%, while Conwy and Gwynedd have yet to decide.

Denbighshire councillors are recommended to impose a 50% premium.

There are 250 second homes in the county and 946 empty properties.

Local authorities in Wales were given the power to increase charges under the Wales Housing Act (2014) to encourage empty homes back into use and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Denbighshire's full council, which meets next Tuesday, will be told that of the 946 long-term empty properties, 502 have been vacant for more than 12 months but only 147 would be eligible for the extra charge, producing an estimated £99,480 extra in income.