Owners of empty properties and second homes in Caerphilly, Wales are being advised of additional council tax charges that will come into effect on April 1 2025.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has agreed to introduce council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties in an effort to bring long-term empty and underused homes back into use and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Letters are being circulated to domestic property owners advising them of the new premiums. Second homes will now pay a 100% premium. For long-term empty properties, premiums will be as follows:

The premiums will be charged on top of the 100% standard rate of council tax.

Cllr Shayne Cook, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Increasing the council tax charges on long-term empty properties and second homes will encourage the owners to bring their properties back into use for the benefit of the local community and economy.

“We are writing to all those affected to ensure they have plenty of advanced notice of the changes that will be implemented in April next year.”

There are a number of exemptions to the new premiums and the council says its staff will be working with property owners over the coming months to discuss whether they meet the relevant criteria.

The council also has an empty property team, who are able to support property owners to bring their properties back into beneficial use. The team can advise about the range of help and financial support that may be available. For further information, visit www.caerphillynouseempty.co.uk or call 01443 811 382.