Consultation ends soon on empty buildings tax plan

People in Newtown and Welshpool have just two weeks left to help shape how long-term empty properties are tackled across Powys.

Powys County Council’s consultation on possible changes to its Council Tax premium will close at midnight on Wednesday, 19 August.

The authority is considering whether owners should face increasingly higher charges the longer their properties remain empty.

A 100 per cent Council Tax premium is currently charged on homes that have been empty and unfurnished for more than a year, effectively doubling the standard bill.

Welsh Government regulations allow councils to impose premiums of up to 300 per cent on long-term empty properties.

The council is asking whether Powys should retain its current system or introduce a stepped approach under which the premium increases over time.

There are 897 long-term empty properties subject to the premium across Powys, representing around 1.3 per cent of the county’s housing stock. Separate figures for Newtown and Welshpool have not been provided.

Residents, businesses, community organisations and other interested parties are being urged to respond before the deadline.

The consultation asks about the effect empty homes have on local communities, whether reducing their number should be a priority and what people think of potential increases to the premium.

The council says the charge is intended to encourage owners to bring properties back into use, helping to increase the supply of affordable housing and support sustainable communities.

Councillor David Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for finance and corporate transformation, said: “Long-term empty properties can have a real impact on our communities, from reducing housing availability to affecting the local environment.

“This consultation is an opportunity for people across Powys to share their views and help us shape a fair and effective approach going forward.

“We want to make sure any changes we consider support our communities, bring empty homes back into use, and make best use of housing across the county. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to have their say.”

People can complete the survey at www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/council-tax-premium-scheme 

Paper copies can be downloaded or collected from a Powys library. Completed forms can be returned to library staff or scanned and emailed to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk .

The deadline for responses is midnight on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.