Pembrokeshire Council Takes Steps to Sell Long-Term Vacant Homes

Pembrokeshire County Council has taken significant steps to address the issue of long-term vacant homes in the region. The council has endorsed new powers that could lead to the compulsory sale of these properties as a last resort to alleviate housing pressures. Currently, homes that have been empty for more than two years face a premium council tax rate of 300 per cent, effectively quadrupling their tax bills.

At a meeting in November, a draft strategy for managing empty properties from 2025 to 2030 was presented to the council’s policy and pre-decision overview and scrutiny committee. The strategy received strong backing, with a formal decision expected from the council’s cabinet soon. This new approach marks a strategic shift from the previously approved action plan, introducing an enforced sales procedure as a formal intervention tool.

While the council has stressed that compulsory sales will be rare, they will be considered only after a comprehensive list of criteria has been met. A report presented during the meeting highlighted the importance of this procedure, noting that it would only be used when the extent of necessary improvements to a property has made informal engagement with owners ineffective.

Pembrokeshire County Council officials articulated their concern regarding long-term vacant properties, calling them a “waste of a valuable resource.” These homes not only contribute to the housing shortage but can also become blights on neighborhoods, attracting antisocial behavior, vandalism, and other issues. The authority noted that these vacant homes often lead to vermin infestations and can strain the resources of local services, including the police and fire departments.

The council aims to engage with property owners to encourage them to undertake necessary repairs. However, it is often the case that owners are unwilling or unable to make these improvements, necessitating a potential enforcement action.

During the council’s cabinet meeting, a joint report was presented by Cllr Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing, and Cllr Jacob Williams, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services. The report urged council members to support the proposed strategic approach, stating, “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.”

Cllr Williams reiterated that any compulsory purchases would be considered on a “case-by-case basis,” affecting only a handful of properties rather than a widespread implementation of these powers. This recommendation received unanimous support from council members, signaling a strong commitment to tackling the issue of long-term empty homes in Pembrokeshire.

As the council moves forward with these strategies, the focus will remain on ensuring that every effort is made to engage with property owners while prioritizing the needs of the community for affordable housing solutions.