Consultation opens into near 300 per cent rise in Council Tax

Residents across the area are being invited to have their say on whether Powys County Council should introduce higher council tax charges for homes that have been left empty for long periods.

The council has launched a six week public consultation on the future of its Council Tax Premium for long term empty properties, with the outcome helping to shape how the scheme operates across Powys, including Newtown and north Powys.

At present, owners of properties that have been empty and unfurnished for more than a year are charged a 100 per cent Council Tax premium, effectively doubling their council tax bill.

However, under Welsh Government rules, councils can increase the premium to as much as 300 per cent. Powys County Council is now asking residents whether it should introduce a stepped approach, with higher charges applied the longer a property remains empty, or retain the current system.

There are currently 897 long term empty properties across Powys that are subject to the premium, accounting for around 1.3 per cent of all homes in the county. While the council has not released a breakdown by town, the consultation applies to empty properties across the county, including Newtown and neighbouring communities in north Powys.

As part of the consultation, residents are being asked whether reducing the number of empty homes should be a priority, how vacant properties affect local communities, and whether changes to the premium could help bring more homes back into use.

The council says the scheme is designed to encourage owners to return empty properties to the housing market, helping to increase the supply of homes and support sustainable communities.

Councillor David Thomas, 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."

The consultation is open until 19 August 2026. Residents can complete the survey online, while paper copies are also available from Powys libraries.