MP CALLS FOR SECOND HOMEOWNERS TO DO THE RIGHT THING

Local MP Tim Farron has called on second homeowners to consider donating the extra cash they have gained from the £400 cut to energy bills announced last week.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the rollout of a £400 intervention per household into energy bills last week. This intervention has been extended to second homeowners which means that wealthy people with multiple homes for personal or professional use as an 'AirBnB' will receive an £800 cut to their energy bills.

As MP for an area with one of the highest rates of second home ownership in the country, Tim is calling for second homeowners to think of others with the rising cost of living. Tim said: "It's no secret that I have been critical of second home ownership and that's for good reason. In my constituency of Westmorland and Lonsdale second home ownership and holiday lets are taking away affordable housing from my constituents and forcing local people out of the area.

"However, second homeowners have a real opportunity here to give back to the community by donating the money they have saved via the Chancellor's intervention."

Tim highlighted the need for people with holiday lets or summer homes to give back to the areas that host them, mentioning charities such as the Cumbria Community Fund and Shelter. He said, "There are so many charities out there trying to help people with their energy bills which will be hugely necessary during the colder months. For example, the Cumbria Community Fund are running a Winter Warmth Fund and which helps over 60 people every year.

"I truly hope that second homeowners will see this for the opportunity it is and do the right thing."