PLANS for how communities will be able to spent money collected by a tax on second homes have been given the backing of Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet.

In October 2017, PCC voted to continue a premium tax on second homes in the county for the 2018-19 financial year, with plans for 50% of the proceeds of the tax going towards community projects in areas affected most by second home-ownership.

The other 50% was set to be put towards affordable housing.

On Monday, March 19, cabinet was given a report containing three models for how the money allocated for community projects would be spread across the county.

The first model suggested a county-wide scheme, allowing any community to bid for the pot of money from the second home tax.

The second model suggested 25% of the money be set aside for a county-wide grant, and 75% be allocated to into six separate pots of money for areas most-effected by second homes.

The third model suggested a 25% county-wide grant, with the remaining 75% allocated by town and community council areas across Pembrokeshire, with the amount of money given to each area based on the number of second homes in those areas.

Cabinet gave their backing to this third option.

Cllr Bob Kilmister, cabinet member for finance, said the report was exciting and that Pembrokeshire might see more beneficial community projects as a result of the scheme.

“A lot of the lottery funding grant schemes require match funding and this might be the way in which we use the money,” he said.

Other cabinet members expressed concerns about the way the money was being spread around the county.

But Cllr Kilmister added the scheme would be reviewed on an annual basis to assess it for mistakes.

“The scheme will be reviewed and evaluated after 12 months.

“The idea that you have got everything right at the first run is arrogant. I see us reviewing this annually until we get the final model that is the best,” he said.

The planned scheme will now be discussed by full council.