Second half of full council - decided to start a new thread. And it’s Cllr Elwyn Vaughan’s motion on holiday homes and increasing the Council Tax premium

Loads of councillors declaring an interest as they or members of their families - have a second home or holiday home within Powys.

Cllr James Evans’ wife’s cousin has a holiday home so he declares an interest.

Cllr Vaughan - a bit concerned there would be no one left in the meeting.

Raising the premium to 100% would bring in £700k to the PCC coffers

Cllr Bryn Davies backing the motion says they will all know young and not so young Powys people who are struggling to get on the property ladder.

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander points out that second homes/holiday homes affect the Welsh language negatively and backs the motion.

Cllr Claire Mills disagrees - people who come to holiday homes do buy in local shops and go to pubs - contribute to the local economy and may eventually retire to Powys - need to look for something different.

Cllr Emily Durrant - would like to raise the premium further - most people will not afford to buy a second home.

Cllr Aled Davies - finance portfolio holder - wants this motion rejected - he fears this would drive - second/holiday home owners might register for business rates. He now takes a pop at Cllr Vaughan believing this is electioneering.Cllt Vaughan is looking to top the Plaid Cymru

Regional list for next year Senedd Election.

Cllr Sarah Williams (Labour) supports the motion with an amendment to increase the premium to 100 %

Cllr Williams says second home owners can afford to pay more - Cllr Dorrance also points out that Cllr Davies put up Council Tax bu 9.5% last year - affecting the poorest people in Powys

Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe - a bit torn on this - thinks putting it up from 50%!by 10% year on year to 100% might be a better idea.

Cllr Edwin Roderick supports the motion - seen more of this in Brecon Beacons than anywhere else - believes Covid is a driver people buying property to flee the cities, “you don’t see their names on the gravestones they go home to be buried.”

This might need to go out to consultation says head of legal - Clive Pinney.

Now going to a vote - firstly on Cllr Williams’ amendment

Vote is 21 for 30 against and 1 abstention - it falls back to the original motion.

Vote is 33 for 17 against and 1 abstentions - so Cllr Elwyn Vaughan’s motion wins and Council Tax premium would go up on Second Homes/Holiday homes subject to some sort of consultation

Now the 20mph speed limit motion by Cllr Stephen Hayes

Hmm - missed part of that due to internet issues

The vote result is: 59 for 1 against and 0 abstentions - so motion is passed.
Now on to the final section which is questions from the councillors.

Cllrs Gareth Ratcliffe and Jeremy Pugh - who put in the questions have left the question - extra questions can be submitted. Leaves just Cllr Karen Laure-Parry on buses. Cllr Aled Davies answers the extra question which is on bus routes. And that’s the end pf the meeting.

Cllr Baynham - a good afternoon well spent - Cllr Kath Roberts-Jones brings up the meeting start time - believes 10.30am is better. And that is it! Lots to write up well chaired @bev_baynham