SECOND HOMES AND COUNCIL TAX

Early day motion 1450, tabled 17 June 2002 by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 40 members.

That this House welcomes Government proposals to remove the council tax subsidy for second home owners; believes that it is wrong that ú200 million of taxpayers' money is spent each year subsidising the better-off to have second homes when many thousands of people in areas of high second home ownership have not yet secured their first home; further believes that councils should direct the bulk of this income towards helping in perpetuity to meet the housing needs of those who are otherwise disenfranchised in the local housing market; is disappointed that the Government has not incorporated clauses regarding second homes within its Local Government Bill; and urges the Government to bring these measures in without further delay so that the severe housing crisis in many parts of the country can be, at least partially, relieved.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 12, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3.