Owners of empty properties and second homes across part of Wales are to be hammered with additional Council Tax charges from April 1 2025.

Caerphilly council is imposing Council Tax Premiums on Second Homes and Long-Term Empty Properties in what the authority claims is 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.

The premiums will be charged on top of the 100% standard rate of Council Tax.

A politician defending the move – Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing – says: “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 exemptions to the new premiums and council staff say they 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.