‘Keep our communities alive’ - MP launches second homes petition at Westmorland County Show

At the Westmorland County Show yesterday, South Lakes MP Tim Farron launched a petition to tackle the effect excessive second home ownership is having on local communities.

The petition calls on the Government to allow local authorities to increase council tax on second homes which would raise extra money to fund key local services which are at risk in communities where many of the homes are not lived in all year round.

Over 3,700 houses in South Lakeland are currently classified as being second homes.

Speaking at the County Show yesterday, Tim said: "We've had a really positive reception to our petition with lots of people agreeing that the rise in second home ownership is leading to many of our communities becoming ghost towns.

"Many of our communities have more than half of their homes not lived in all year round. That means you've not got people sending their kids to the local school, using the post office or the bus services. Then you end up with the risk of losing those services because they're no longer viable.

"What we're asking for today would allow us to raise extra money, so we'd be able to fund those key local services, ensuring that our local towns and villages remain amazing place to live for everyone."

To sign the petition, go here.