Agenda item
Report of the Corporate Lead Officer: Economy and Regeneration upon the Community Housing Proposal
- Meeting of Council, Thursday, 3rd March, 2022 10.00 am (Item 13.)
- View the declarations of interest for item 13.
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: