Housing minister agrees to MP’s request to consider more curbs on second homes

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, South Lakes MP Tim Farron secured a promise from Housing Minister Stuart Andrew to consider giving local authorities the power to limit second home ownership.

During a debate on the Government's Levelling Up Bill, Tim said that excessive second home ownership has led to the prospect of buying or even renting a house becoming a "pipe dream" for people in rural areas such as Cumbria.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: "Will the minister carefully consider introducing an amendment in Committee that would make second home ownership a separate category of planning use?

"That is obviously the clearest way in which we could control second home ownership in communities such as mine and in other parts of the country. Will he at least consider that in the coming weeks?"

Responding, the Minister for Housing Stuart Andrew said: "I am keen to ensure that we get it right. Of course I will consider it, because I want to ensure that we consider all aspects. There could, however, be unintended consequences in other parts of the country.

"We will want to ensure that we get it right, but I will look at all options. I have made that commitment to numerous colleagues who have raised the issue with me."