WEALTHY TO LOSE TAX BREAKS ON SECOND HOMES

Councillor Sarah Cross has welcomed proposals from the coalition government to remove tax breaks for second home-owners. Currently, Councils are legally obliged to give a second home council tax discount of up to 50%. The Government plan to end this benefit which will affect nearly a quarter of a million people, forcing them to pay hundreds of pounds more a year in council tax.

"It's only fair and long overdue" says Sarah "Why should people with a second home be subsidised by everyone else? In wards like Denton, people find it tough to get on the housing ladder, and many people just buy a second home as an investment."

Sarah also welcomes plans to allow councils to charge full tax on most empty homes, which it's hoped will bring more properties into use and lead to a cutting of waiting lists.