§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of council tax discounts in Wales. [28402]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsOn 16 December 1997, I announced new rules on council tax for second homes in Wales. From 1 April 1998 local authorities will have discretion to charge up to the full council tax on unoccupied and furnished second homes, without a six month delay and whether or not they used to be someone's sole or main residence. The new rules were made following wide consultation and replace rules which were inequitable and difficult to operate.
Looking ahead, the Department will consult over the next few months on the operation of council tax in Wales as part of the review of local government. We will consider whether improvements can be made in the light of the responses to consultation.