Current Consultations

Throughout the year we consult with residents, business owners, visitors and stakeholders on a range of topics. These consultations can be found below when live, followed by results and findings from selected consultations.

Council Tax changes

We are consulting on potential changes to Council Tax for empty homes and second homes in the District. The changes follow new guidance in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The proposed changes include:

• Charging a 100% Council Tax premium on properties that have been empty, unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least one year
• A 200% Council Tax Premium for properties empty more than five years
• 300% Council Tax Premium for properties empty for more than 10 years
• A 100% Council Tax premium for second homes

Both changes would be effective from April 2026.

These measures aim to encourage owners to bring empty homes back into use, to either live in, sell or rent. It is hoped this will add more housing options to the local market, reduce the number of underused properties and help ensure more housing is available.

You can share your views on these proposals until 11.59pm on Monday 6 January by taking part in the Council Tax Changes survey.