Double council tax on second homes to fix Cumbrian housing crisis, MP tells minister

On the floor of the House of Commons this morning, local MP Tim Farron made the case for ministers to tackle the housing crisis in places like Cumbria by doubling council tax on second homes.

Speaking during Treasury Questions in Parliament, Tim said: "The colossal economic inequality facing rural communities is something that I hope this Government will take seriously.

"I wonder if the minister is aware of the collapse of local housing into the second home and holiday let market in communities like mine and indeed the Chancellor's next door (Richmond, North Yorkshire).

"Would he look at following the Welsh Assembly Government's example of doubling council tax on second home properties, so that communities like mine don't become riddled with ghost towns, losing their local populations?"

Responding, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP said: "I thank the Honourable Gentleman for his question.

"The Government is indeed looking at the tightening up of the rules around second homes and council tax and this is a matter we'd be very happy to engage with him on."