Here is our latest update, covering: helping to tackle city's housing pressures; city gyms to help tackle domestic abuse; and The Lord Mayor hosts Commonwealth Day Ceremony.

Helping to tackle city's housing pressures

Owners of long-term empty properties in Cardiff face a further increase in their council tax charges under new plans to help alleviate pressures on housing availability in the city.

From April, a council tax premium of 50% will rise to 100% for homes left unoccupied and unfurnished for more than a year in a bid to encourage owners to bring these properties back into use.

Second homes in the city and furnished dwellings that are not anyone's main home will also be charged a premium of 100% from April 2024 after proposals were approved by Cabinet earlier this month, and Full Council.

The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 gave councils the discretion to apply a premium of up to 100% on top of the standard rate of council tax for long-term empty dwellings and since April 2019, a premium of 50% has applied to these properties in Cardiff. The Act also enabled councils to charge a premium of up to 100% on properties occupied only periodically.

The regulations have recently changed and Local Authorities now have the power to charge premiums of up to 300% of the annual Council Tax charge.

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City Gyms To Help Tackle Domestic Abuse

Gyms and fitness clubs across the city are being asked to join the campaign to help tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Around 200 businesses including martial arts clubs, boxing gyms and yoga and pilates studios across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will shortly be receiving information and resources to help raise awareness of the issue and enable them to signpost any clients needing help to local and national specialist support providers.

Following the success of information and advice being shared with hair and beauty organisations across the region last year, it's hoped extending the initiative to fitness venues will further raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence and the support available for victims and their families.

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The Lord Mayor hosts Commonwealth Day Ceremony

The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Graham Hinchey hosted a Commonwealth Day flag raising ceremony at Cardiff Castle yesterday, joining more than 1000 Commonwealth flags around the world which were raised at the same time to celebrate the family of nations that encompass the globe.

This year's Commonwealth Day marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter.

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