Discussions about housing problems and the call for increasing council tax on second homes are back on the agenda this week.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s policy and pre-decision overview and scrutiny committee is due to examine the results of a public consultation on second home premiums, as well as working group conclusions on Thursday (September 23).

A report to committee states that there were 1,373 response to the consultation and the committee will scrutinise the review report, which also includes long term empty properties.

The council tax working group discussed the consultation earlier this month and were happy with how it had been carried out, recommending to cabinet that it “maximise the revenues available to the council and to ring fence any additional funds for affordable housing.”

The most popular option overall in the consultation was a council tax premium of 25 per cent – half the current 50 per cent premium – which was supported by 638 of all respondents, and 599 respondents who own a second home.

Of those who did not own a second home the most popular option was a 100 per cent premium, supported by 275 respondents.

Following scrutiny this week the matter will be referred to cabinet on October 4 before a full council decision is made later that month.