SIR, As one of those nasty second home owners who deprive the locals of so much, let me say how delighted I am that the councils are falling out amongst themselves about how the ill-gotten gains should be divided up. Because second home-owners do not vote locally, they have no represen-tation and so are an easy target.
Never mind that they subsidise the local services, support local businesses and, lets not forget, pay lots of tax to central government, much of which is fed back to local councils.
These same councils, if they were to be honest, would much prefer to see expensive second homes on their patch than first-time buyers who pay a lot less and require considerably more sevices. If you really want homes for first-time buyers there are plenty of ways this can be achieved, so please don't put that forward as an excuse for ripping-off the second home-owner.
Paul Rouse
York
April 10, 2003 15:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article