Saturday, October 28, 2006
28/10/2006 Second homes problem hurts South Wiltshire
28/10/2006 Second homes problem hurts South Wiltshire
Salisbury's Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Paul Sample, has attacked the Government's lack of action over rising second home ownership, which is forcing many local people out of the housing market in South Wiltshire.
His comments came in response to figures released by the Halifax showing a steep rise in house prices since 1996. Cllr Sample says: "These figures show the growing divide between the haves and have nots in Wiltshire.
"Locally, I believe first time buyers are being priced out the market and are unable to stay in the villages and towns where they grew up. The huge rise in second home ownership is a major part of the problem.
"The increase in second homes, in places like South Wiltshire, is clearly boosting the housing market but having a detrimental impact on communities. If the Government were serious about this problem, they would give local authorities the power to tackle excess second home ownership. They have totally failed to discourage this practice, and must act now."
Salisbury's Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Paul Sample, has attacked the Government's lack of action over rising second home ownership, which is forcing many local people out of the housing market in South Wiltshire.
His comments came in response to figures released by the Halifax showing a steep rise in house prices since 1996. Cllr Sample says: "These figures show the growing divide between the haves and have nots in Wiltshire.
"Locally, I believe first time buyers are being priced out the market and are unable to stay in the villages and towns where they grew up. The huge rise in second home ownership is a major part of the problem.
"The increase in second homes, in places like South Wiltshire, is clearly boosting the housing market but having a detrimental impact on communities. If the Government were serious about this problem, they would give local authorities the power to tackle excess second home ownership. They have totally failed to discourage this practice, and must act now."
