Totnes Lib Dem, Mike Treleaven, welcomes South Hams decision on second home Council Tax.

Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Mike Treleaven, today welcomed proposals by South Hams District Council to charge second home owners 90% Council Tax from next April. Speaking after the announcement Mike Treleaven said:

' At long last something is going to be done about the iniquitous situation where second home owners only pay 50% council tax. Paying 90% is a welcome step forward and in areas such as the South Hams where second homes count for 11% of the total housing stock I would like to see the Liberal Democrat Policy of 200% tax on second homes introduced. '

He continued:

'We all know that affordable housing is the big issue in this area and it is essential that the money raised with this measure - around £2million per annum - is used to provide more homes for rent and shared ownership. We are spending a lot of time talking about this issue, but we must start taking more action. There is an acute shortage of housing and the only way out of this mess is to build more and, where possible, renovate existing properties. I just hope that this extra revenue is used quickly and wisely to help the problem.'