Council Tax: Second Homes Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateBaroness Harris of Richmond
Main Page: Baroness Harris of Richmond (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Harris of Richmond's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
(2 years, 9 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy understanding is that we have introduced a stamp duty surcharge of some three percentage points on top of the standard rate for those who purchase additional properties. That covers all second home owners, so they are not getting off lightly when they are buying their homes, and the Treasury is doing very well out of that regime.
My Lords, I declare my interest as a second home owner. Can the Minister tell me what impact he thinks this will have on communities where second homes are prevalent?
My Lords, it is a hard one to answer; in some areas where tourism is incredibly important it is a great boost to the economy, and in others it can result in the hollowing out of a particular area. I cannot give a simple response to that question.