Last Chance to Have Your Say on Second Homes Council Tax as Pembrokeshire Deadline Falls Tomorrow

Pembrokeshire County Council is urging residents, second homeowners and community groups to submit their views before the deadline of Monday 10 August, as its consultation on Council Tax premiums for 2027-28 draws to a close.

The consultation, which has been running since late June, asks people what they think about the level of additional Council Tax that should be charged on second homes and long-term empty properties across the county. Feedback gathered will help the council shape its approach for the financial year beginning April 2027.

The current second homes premium in Pembrokeshire stands at 125 per cent on top of the standard council tax bill, a rate that has shifted more than once in recent years following intense debate about the impact of holiday and second home ownership on local communities and housing availability.

What the consultation covers

The council is asking residents for their views on the future level of premiums for both second homes and long-term empty properties, as well as how any money raised should be spent on local priorities. The consultation also raises wider questions about Welsh Government rules on the minimum number of days a self-catering property must be let to qualify for non-domestic rates rather than council tax, and whether the council should use its discretionary powers in certain switching cases.

Councillor Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said the council wants to hear from as many people as possible before any recommendations are made. A final decision on the premium levels is expected to go before the full council on 15 October 2026, with any changes taking effect from 1 April 2027.

Residents can take part in the survey online through the Council Tax Premium Setting for 2027-28 page on the council's website at pembrokeshire.gov.uk. Paper copies are also available by calling Revenue Services on 01437 764551 or by emailing revenue.services@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.

For those who have not yet responded, today is the final realistic opportunity to do so before the consultation closes at the end of Monday.