COUNCIL TAX FOR SECOND AND MOBILE HOMES

Early day motion 713, tabled 10 May 2000 by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 57 members.

That this House notes that whilst second home owners enjoy a 50 per cent. council tax discount at an annual cost to the taxpayer of ú168 million, many thousands of disadvantaged permanent occupants of mobile homes pay a council tax for a property band up to four times their market value; considers that it is wrong that taxpayers should subsidise the better off to have their second homes whilst many thousands of local people cannot afford their first home; and believes that, in its forthcoming rural areas White Paper, the Government should at least abolish the discount for second homes and create a new council tax band for mobile home residents which more accurately reflects the true value of their property.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 25, Labour 23, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 2, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.