Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Lead Officer: Economy and Regeneration upon the Community Housing Proposal

Minutes:

Councillor Rhodri Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration presented the report to Council noting that the Independent Group presented a paper to the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny on 29 November 2021 setting out a vision towards creating a pathway to Home Ownership for the Younger Generation of Ceredigion. The proposals were supported by the Committee where it was requested that Officers work up the viability of the scheme. A further report was subsequently considered by the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 7 February 2022 and by Cabinet at its meeting dated 22 February 2022.

 

Councillor Ivor Williams presented verbal feedback from the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee stating that a robust discussion had taken place and that all Committee Members were supportive of the proposal.  He thanked the Independent Group for bringing this report for consideration.

 

Councillor Elizabeth Evans stated that she was supportive of the proposal, but noted that communities with a high number of second homes also need to be supported.

 

Councillor Ifan Davies, on behalf of the Independent Group thanked Officers for the work done at short notice, and thanked the Chairman of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee for scheduling a special meeting to consider the recommendations.  He noted that there are several challenges facing rural areas, and the affordability of homes for young people is one of the most important ones. He noted that the recommendations being considered were a first phase but further work would be required in the new administration to consider and develop the various options available.

 

Following a vote, it was RESOLVED that:

a)    The Council decision  24/03/2016  Minute 12) Report of the Deputy Chief Executive upon the Council Tax Premiums for long-term empty homes and second homes, point 4 be amended as follows:

4.a) The level of Council Tax Second Homes   Premium   charged  to be  set at 25% (with effect from 1 April 2017);  and,

b) that all monies raised from the 25%  Council Tax Second Homes Premium  (net of the Council Tax refunds),  be ring -fenced and used  to support  the Community Housing Scheme.”

b)    That all monies raised from the 25% Council Tax Second Homes Premium between the period 01/04/2017 to 31/03/2022 (net of Council Tax refunds), to be ring-fenced and used to support the Community Housing Scheme.

c)    That all monies raised from the 25% Council Tax Second Homes Premium from 01/04/2022   (net of the Council Tax refunds), to be ring-fenced and used to support the Community Housing Scheme.

d)    That from 01/04/2022, all monies raised from the 25% Council Tax Empty Homes Premium (net of the Council Tax refunds), be ring-fenced and used to support the Community Housing Scheme

e)    That Council decision 16/03/2017 minute 8.b) Council Tax Premiums on Second Homes, be revoked

f)      That details of a shared equity element of the scheme are prepared and agreed within 12 months of the Council decision and that work continues on the other options.

g)    The possibility of establishing a Community Benefit Scheme be deferred for one year.

Supporting documents: