CEREDIGION councillors have agreed to charge an extra 25 per cent levy on council tax for empty homes and holiday homes – rejecting a “rushed” Cabinet proposal that would have seen holiday homes charged an extra 50 per cent.

Councillors agreed the move last Thursday, with a 25 per cent levy across the board bringing in around £500,000.

The council’s Cabinet made a recommendation to apply no premium on long-term empty homes and a 50 per cent premium on second homes and holiday homes, but Cllr Ray Quant – who chaired that meeting – admitted that it was a “rushed decision” that was a “starting point for discussion at full council”.

The proposal to levy 50 per cent against holiday homes and no extra for empty homes was also backed at a scrutiny committee, but councillors had a change of heart and voted unanimously to push through an across the board rise of 25 per cent.

A number of councillors were unable to vote, but could speak after seeking dispensation due to owning or having family ties with empty or holiday homes.

Cllr Euros Davies told members: “We should be charging all empty homes and holiday homes.

“The people are keeping them empty – if we put something on them maybe they will reduce the price. Twenty-five per cent should be charged on everything.”

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said: “I can see the reasoning of charging 25 per cent to begin with and then reviewing it.

“We should charge for both holiday homes and empty homes. If we are doing one, then we should do both at 25 per cent.”

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