Council Tax Second Homes 2022-02-01
2022-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the issue of discussions regarding potential merits of increasing council tax on second homes.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of increasing council tax on second homes?
I am aware that the hon. Gentleman raised a similar question with the Chancellor when the Chancellor was a Local Government junior Minister. The hon. Gentleman will know that we announced in the middle of last month that we are closing a tax loophole that allowed owners of second homes who claimed that their often-empty properties were holiday lets to receive small business rates relief instead of paying council tax.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about discussions on increasing council tax was not addressed.
Changing The Subject
Providing Background
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a worsening rural housing crisis post-pandemic, with high sales of second homes in Cumbria reducing private rented affordable market.
Will the Minister agree—or will she agree to persuade her right hon. Friend the Chancellor—to meet me to look at seven steps for saving our rural communities and preventing towns and villages from being emptied of full-time populations?
I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the points he raises. We have taken a number of steps to ensure that people pay the full rate of council tax on second homes—96% of second home owners pay the full rate of council tax. He will know that the Government introduced the higher rate of stamp duty land tax for those purchasing additional properties, and only last year introduced a new SDLT surcharge of 2%, to ensure that houses are available for local people at reasonable prices.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about meeting was partially acknowledged but no commitment given.
Changing The Subject
Providing Background
Response accuracy