SECOND home owners in Pembrokeshire will have to pay a 50 per cent council tax premium from next year following a decision by last Thursday’s meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The premium rate, which will be split between affordable housing and local services, will be introduced in the 2017-18 financial year and reviewed on an annual basis.

An amendment for second home owners to pay a 100 per cent premium, made by Tenby councillor Michael Williams, was defeated.

Based on 2016-17 figures, the 50 per cent increase, one of the highest in Wales, would see a second home in an average Band D council tax rate, before town and community council or police precepts are added, increasing from £841.10 to £1,261.65.

A 50 per cent increase in council tax for second home owners would see £1.7m raised annually.

Figures produced for members at last Thursday’s meeting highlighted the percentage of properties as second homes or holiday lets; with Tenby having 46.7, Saundersfoot 33.6, Newport 24.5, and The Havens 23.2, and Solva 17.2 per cent.

Council Leader Jamie Adams proposed a 50 per cent increase: “Pembrokeshire County Council is not saying we don’t welcome those in a position to have second homes, we are not saying Pembrokeshire’s borders are shut to those who wish to purchase a stake in the county.

“What we are is we need help from these people. In some of the wards of this county it is having an impact on the indigenous population to afford homes; 73 per cent felt it was appropriate to consider the additional premium.”

He stressed to second home owners: “This council isn’t looking to fleece you but we want you recognise this county has a special set of circumstances which has probably attracted you to Pembrokeshire in the first place.”

Cllr Mike Williams, who had proposed an amendment of 100 per cent, ring-fenced for affordable housing, said: “These communities are being hollowed out, they’re almost dead now.”

He went on the say: “Most people, if they can afford a second home, can afford a 100 per cent contribution on their council tax; there’s no reason why we can’t implement this and set an example, we’re not anti-people but let’s encourage them to contribute to the community.”

Councillor Mike Evans warned it was important “not to demonise” second home owners, but proposed a 50 per cent increase should be used for affordable housing.

One of the few voices of dissent was Councillor Jacob Williams, who said: “It’s unfair to tax extra, I do not support any increase; the owners of these properties don’t hog council resources, they already pay a premium by paying 100 per cent.”