Second Homes tax loophole reaches the Lords

House of Lords June 19th 2019

Lib dems CAMPAIGN TO CLOSE THE TAX LOOPHOLE ON second homes reaches the House of Lords

Following a concerted high profile campaign by our Lib Dem team in Southwold to expose the second homes tax loophole, Lib Dem Peer and Housing spokesperson, John Shipley raised the issue in the Lords today and received support from political opponents including former Suffolk Coastal MP, The Lord Deben.

The matter was raised by Lord Shipley in the Committee Stage of the Rating (property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax ( Empty Dwellings) Bill. Earlier at 14.30, Peers had also raised related issues in Oral Questions on - Short term holiday lets and legal requirements.

Government spokesman, Lord Bourne, said they would take the issue seriously amid calls for second home owners to actually let their properties for 70 days, as in Wales, before they can claim to be a business and avoid council tax and rates.

Lord Shipley said that the Conservative MP for Totnes in Devon had already asked for this to be dealt with adding "I hope this is not going to be kicked into the long grass". Praising the efforts of local Suffolk campaigners who brought this scandal to light, he said " It is wrong that people with two homes are subsidised by people with no home".

Lord Deben, former MP John Gummer, supported, " Southwold has become a place of very largely second homes." Adding that some some second home owners were not operating fairly. "They have no intention of running a business. It is entirely unacceptable."

He called on the government not to prevaricate, and to do the same as Wales. " We have to deal with this, not just for equity, but because of social cohesion. It is something that angers people when their neighbours are not paying their way. It is very, very simple to change"

Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth replied for the government, "I thought that there must be some by-election in Southwold!* I do understand this issue, and we really are taking it seriously".

Lord Shipley will submit some written questions and seek to gather evidence on this issue from around the country.

Southwold Liberal Democrat campaigner, David Beavan*, was elated with the debate. " It just shows that ordinary people can change things. We will keep collecting signatures and keep the pressure up until the law is changed."

The online Parliament Petition has over 700 signatures. Canvassers are also are going door to door in Southwold and Reydon, where they have collected 250 signatures in one week.

Liberal Democrats get things done!

(click here) sign this petition

https://petition.parliament.uk/

To watch a replay of the proceedings go to Parliament Player, House of Lords, Tuesday 19th June starting at 17: 15: 52 to approx 37: 37: 00

*David Bevan has now been nominated to stand as the LIb Dem candidate in the forthcoming Southwold & Reydon by-election on 12th July for a seat on Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Published and promoted by Chris Thomas on behalf of David Beavan (Liberal Democrats) both at 3, Oatlands Close, Lowestoft NR33 8LN

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