Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has welcomed confirmation, in the Budget today, that the Government will be taking action on loopholes that have meant unscrupulous holiday home owners have been able to avoid paying their fair share of rates.
In the Budget Red Book published today it states:
‘There is concern that some owners of properties that are not genuine businesses may seek to reduce their tax liability by falsely declaring that the property is available for let, To ensure that second properties are subject to the appropriate tax the government will consult on the criteria under which self-catering and holiday lets become chargeable to business rates rather than council tax.’
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am delighted to see this issue acknowledged in today’s Budget. It is right that everyone should pay their fair share of rates. That some holiday home owners have exploited loopholes to avoid paying their way while still benefiting from local government services is wrong, and something I have raised at all levels of Government in Parliament as well as meeting with Ministers to discuss what more can be done.”
“I am pleased to see this commitment to a consultation, a first step to what I hope will result in a change for the better for council tax payers in Cornwall. I await the consultation with interest and will continue to do all I can to ensure change on this issue happens as soon as possible.”