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The number of second homes in Cornwall
has grown by over 40% in the last 5 years. New figures, released by Matthew
Taylor MP today, reveal the problems facing the thousands of local people
waiting on housing lists whilst second homes stand empty.
Matthew Taylor MP has also uncovered a growing trend amongst second home
owners to look for ways around their Council Tax. Homeowners are choosing
to pay business rates as opposed to Council Tax, or gift properties to relatives
and register as single occupants, substantially reducing the impact on their
pocket whilst also disappearing from official second home figures.
Mr Taylor presented the figures in a debate he called in Parliament today
on the housing crisis in Cornwall. Mr Taylor is pressing for Councils to be
given planning powers to prevent thousands more family homes being converted
to holiday use in the county.
Key results of his research include:
· Over 4000 more second homes in just 5 years
· Over 1000 more homes used for holiday letting
· Just 51 more affordable homes in the same period
(1018 built, 968 sold)
· 15,610 Cornish households on the waiting list
for affordable housing
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Commenting after a debate in Parliament today Matthew Taylor MP said:
“ Housing in Cornwall is at crisis point. We need local housing for local
people, but building is pointless until we first do something to stop family
homes being swallowed up as second homes. To do that we need Government to
give Councils the power to say enough is enough and require planning permission
to convert family homes to holiday use.
“It was clear from the Minister’s response that she has not understood the
severity of the housing issue in Cornwall. The government must act with the
urgency that the situation demands.”
Click here to read the full debate.
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