‘Shelter report backs up case for closing loop holes for second home owners’ says MP

A national report published last week by leading charity Shelter backs up a campaign led by local MP Tim Farron to end tax loopholes for second home owners.

Currently, owners of more than one home can claim a council tax subsidy on each 'second' home, which is defined as any home that is not their primary place of residence. This subsidy can vary from anywhere between 10% and 50% of their council tax bill.

The South Lakes is estimated to have around 3,800 second homes. Tim recently secured a pledge that Ministers will consider abolishing the tax break on the grounds that property owners wealthy enough to afford second homes should be able to pay more.

In the report published today by Shelter called 'Taking Stock', it advocates the ending of the discount for the 252,000 second homes nationwide which could raise up to £42 million nationally.

Commenting today Tim said: "By ending this subsidy local councils can spend this much needed money on providing local services and ensure that overall council tax bills are kept as low as possible for all residents, not just those who are lucky enough to have more than one home. I think this report is a further piece of evidence that the government need to take into account when they conduct their review."