Powers allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to potentially force the sale of problem long-term empty properties as a last resort, are expected to be backed by senior councillors next week.

Long-term empty properties in Pembrokeshire are currently charged a premium council tax rate of 300 per cent for those empty for more than two years, effectively a quadruple tax bill.

A report for members on a draft empty properties strategy of 2025-30, was presented to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting back in November, where it was supported, with a formal decision to be made by the council’s Cabinet.

It said the strategy for scrutiny was an important strategic shift from a previous Cabinet agreed action plan as it introduced “the inclusion of an enforced sales procedure as a formal intervention tool when circumstances require”.

Members heard such a sale would only be considered if a long list of criteria had been met.

The report said: “It is important to stress that this procedure is likely to be rarely used and only in cases where there is no other option but necessary due the extend of works that the council has had to undertake to make improvements to the property. The main focus will always be that of informal and supportive action with property owners.”

It added: “Long-term, often problematic empty properties are considered a waste of a valuable resource which could be added to the pool of much-needed housing in the county. They can also frequently become blights to neighbourhoods by becoming targets for antisocial behaviour, trespass, vandalism and arson.

“In addition to this they can become eyesores which devalue nearby properties, become sources of harbourage for vermin infestations, and can also become significant drains on the resources of the county council, police, and fire and rescue services.

“Every effort is made to engage with owners, however, it is often the case that they are unwilling or unable to undertake the necessary work and therefore enforcement action may be considered.”

It was stressed the enforced acquisition would not be used to pursue those who hadn’t paid the council tax premium but could be used in certain cases like when safety work had to be undertaken by the council and the owners wouldn’t pay.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of January 12, it is recommended that members endorse the strategic plans which “will enable a focused corporate approach to dealing with problematic empty properties within the county”.

A report for members says: “The Strategic Plan provides the framework that sets the strategic and corporate approach towards dealing with empty properties. The use of the range of legal powers available to the authority will be in accordance with enforcement policy of best interests, and utilising the enforced sales route would be a last resort.

“Legal opinion would be sought prior to any legal action. The work carried out by officers prior to considering using the enforced sales route will provide an opportunity to support owners and individuals to ensure they are dealt with in a fair and sympathetic manner.”