§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he received on his Department's consultation document on second homes and council tax since January. [62588]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe received 443 responses to our consultation.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the response to his Department's consultation document on council tax and second homes this year. [62589]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe are considering the way forward in the light of these responses. An analysis of the responses has been placed on our website at www.local.odpm.gov.uk
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what timetable he has set for the implementation of a removal of the right of second home owners to council tax discounts; [62587]
(2) when he intends to bring forward legislation to allow local authorities the power to remove the 50 per cent. council tax discount for second home owners. [62590]
§ Mr. RaynsfordOur consultation paper "Council Tax: Proposed changes for second homes and long term empty homes" was published in November last year. The consultation period closed on 15 February. We are considering the way forward and hope to announce final decisions shortly.