Wales faces debates over Council Tax premiums and rising household costs

Powys County Council is considering a stepped increase in Council Tax premiums for long-term empty properties, which could generate an additional £1.5 million for the local authority. Under the proposal, properties empty for one to five years would maintain the current 100 per cent premium, while those empty for five to ten years would face a 200 per cent premium. Properties vacant for 10 years or more would be subject to a 300 per cent premium. A recent consultation showed that 61.3 per cent of respondents believe long-term empty properties negatively impact local communities.

Separately, the Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to implement a cap on Council Tax increases. Leader Darren Millar proposed that any increases exceeding the cap should require a local referendum to protect households facing rising inflation and energy costs. The party is also demanding an independent review of the local government funding formula, arguing that the current system fails to account for the higher costs of delivering services in rural areas.