Council tax arrangements for long-term empty domestic properties in Pembrokeshire may change under new proposals being put forward by the county council.

There are approximately 1,100 such properties in the county, which receive a 50 per cent discount on the annual council tax due and a further 800 which are currently exempt, but will move to a 50 per cent discount over time.

Pembrokeshire County Council has launched a consultation asking people for their views on two specific proposals relating to council tax on these properties.

The first proposal is the removal of the 50 per cent council tax discount. The council suggests that this be incremental, based on the length of time for which the property has been empty.

The second proposal is to introduce a council tax premium. This would be subject to a decision to remove the 50 per cent discount. The council may specify different levels of council tax premium (up to 100 per cent) on properties based on the length of time for which they have been empty, under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.

The county council is considering making these changes because long-term empty properties have a negative impact on the availability of housing, and on the attractiveness and sustainability of local communities.

The potential removal of the current discount and the introduction of a premium could encourage the release of long-term empty properties back into the local housing supply. Having more houses occupied could help improve the appearance and viability of local communities.

However, the removal of the discount would also increase the number of domestic properties used to calculate the council’s potential to raise money through council tax. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of money received from Welsh Government.

Based on current levels of outstanding payments (10 per cent) it may be difficult for the council to collect additional council tax from owners of long-term empty properties.

The introduction of a premium may therefore offset any reduction in money received from Welsh Government (brought about by the removal of the current discount).

To give your views on the proposals, please go online at

Alternatively, please complete a response form and return it to [email protected] or Pembrokeshire County Council, 2D Marketing, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP.

The deadline for responses is Monday, September 18.

A final decision on the proposals will be made by full council at its meeting on October 19.