MPs representing coastal communities across Britain have come together to hail government action over a “plague” of second holiday homes preventing vital homelessness services.
Liberal Democrat Steffan Aquarone, who is leading the group of furious MPs, has accused wealthy second home owners of treating coastal towns and villages “like a Jane Austen-era summer jaunt” and leaving them to suffer out of season.
It comes after it was revealed that up to one in 10 seaside homes are left abandoned throughout parts of the year preventing “much needed” funding for homelessness services to operate and the construction of affordable homes.
In response to calls, the government will allow councils across the country to impose a 100 per cent levy from 1 April 2025, meaning properties used as second homes will be forced to pay double council tax, to fund these services.
Speaking to fellow MPs, Mr Aquarone hailed the changes, saying: “In North Norfolk, we have been plagued by huge numbers of second homes and empty homes. Outside the City of London, we have the highest number of empty or infrequently used homes in all of England. These properties are carving the core out of many small and historical communities, and in too many cases contribute very little back.
“Our poorest are sitting on ever growing waiting lists, while the rich treat our coastal villages as a setting for a Jane Austen-era summer jaunt, leaving them to suffer for the rest of the year.
“In Wells-next-the-Sea, 40 per cent of the town is second homes and holiday lets. In some parts, only one in 10 homes is someone’s main residence. I am delighted that, after years of lobbying, we are able to levy a 100 per cent council tax increase on those second homes. That will bring in £1.7 million for the district council, allowing it to support more affordable housing and provide homelessness services.”
Other councils such as Dorset, the Lake District, Bath, northeast Somerset, Devon, and North Yorkshire are also set to introduce these rises.
Labour MP Melanie Onn added there has been “a noticeable uptick in the number of Airbnbs” in her constituency of Grimsby. “[Our streets have] a unique identity and the Airbnbs are taking away from the impact of local businesses and the local tourist trade,” she argued last week.
Lorraine Beavers, the MP for Blackpool North, said: “For nearly four decades, our seaside towns have shaped the outcome of elections. Yet, despite that significance, we have been overlooked, struggling with deprivation, economic decline and crumbling infrastructure.”
Labour MP Jayne Kirkham suggested that the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is currently going through parliament, needed to go further to address “second homes and short-term lets” over tax loophole fears that keep the wealthy owning mostly abandoned property. For example, there are concerns that people with two homes will claim they spend more time in the second house and avoid paying the premium.
The homelessness charity Crisis has called for the government to repurpose empty properties into affordable homes to tackle the housing deficit.
Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, has previously said: “No one should be forced to endure the pain and indignity of homelessness, especially when we have a tangible way to provide thousands with a stable and secure home.
“Through our services, we see the impact our continued failure to act is having. Families with children growing up in one room, people getting ready for work in cold, draughty cars while others are given no option but to move hundreds of miles away from their jobs, schools and support networks as there are no affordable properties in their area. This isn’t right.
“Enabling councils to turn empty properties into genuinely affordable homes is a quick way for the Westminster government to alleviate pressure on a system at breaking point and provide stable homes for people.”
