Have your say on council tax reform proposals

30 January 2024

Residents in Powys are being urged to have their say on proposals by the Welsh Government to reform council tax.

Council tax helps to fund the everyday essential services provided by local councils that we all rely on, including schools, local libraries, social care and street cleaning, and pays for around a fifth of spending by councils.

The consultation by the Welsh Government, which closes on Tuesday, February 6, is asking residents what they think of different potential approaches designed to make the tax fairer, including adding new council tax bands, changing the tax-rates charges for each band, and reviewing discounts and reductions.

Some of the proposals will reduce the share of council tax paid for properties in Bands A - C and increase the share of council tax paid for properties in Bands E and above.

The consultation also asks about the pace of change people would like to see. The earliest date for any changes coming into effect is 1 April 2025. However, changes could be deferred until the next Senedd term, or introduced in stages.

In parallel with this work, the Valuation Office Agency, is preparing to carry out a proposed revaluation of all 1.5 million homes in Wales to ensure valuations are up-to-date and in line with current property values.

Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, said: "I would encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this council Tax consultation so Welsh Government have a clear view of what the people of Powys want.

"This is an extremely important issue that affects all households in Powys and across Wales, so I urge you not to miss this opportunity to make sure that your views are taken into account."

To take part in the consultation visit www.gov.wales/fairer-council-tax-phase-2