A second home owning couple have said they will no longer use Welsh businesses as a protest at having to pay extra taxes. They have written a letter to a local butchers saying they will "support English companies instead".
Edwards of Conwy butchers, based in Conwy High Street, received a letter from couple Phil and Sandra which he placed on social media, NorthWalesLive reported. They claimed they feel "unwanted" after the Welsh Government enabled local authorities to charge up to 100% of the standard rate of council tax on second homes.
The measures were designed to decrease the number of second homes in Wales, which can cause local house prices to rise and leading to some being priced out of the market. Local authorities are no able to increase council tax up to 300%, but no councils currently charge this figure.
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Addressing Ieuan Edwards, of Edwards of Conwy, the letter reads: "I just wanted to let you know that we have spent hundreds of pounds every year in your ship on your wonderful meat selection, since we purchased our home 20 years ago. As a second home owner, your government have chosen to charge us an excess on our council tax. I have written to them several times with my queries and objections but not even had the decency of a reply.
"I have supported local businesses every visit, had local workers doing maintenance on my property, but now feel unwanted and see no reason why I should support any local business. I will support English companies instead.
"I am really sorry that we will not come to your store again. I know it is depriving me and my family of your wonderful products and we will miss your helpful, friendly staff. I am sorry you will lose the profit from my shopping but I so feel angry at how we have been treated I cannot give my money to local business again.
"I know many other second home owners who feel exactly the same, perhaps your councils might begin to rethink when shops such as yours lose custom, when they also bring food until with them. Thank you for the excellent service we have received for 20 years. We wish you and your staff all the best. Phil and Sandra."
The letter received criticism online after the letter was posted on the Edwards of Conwy Twitter account. The post received more than 130 comments. Justin Morgan said: "The entitlement in this says it all, if they can afford a second home they can afford the tax end of, no need to question the Welsh Government on it." Dan Lawrence added on Twitter: "Threatening you for being a Welsh company just because they don't like a decision of the Welsh Govt is strange behaviour." Iwan Hiraethog said: "Can't help wondering how much local businesses would benefit from someone living there for 52 weeks of the year."
Business owner Mr Edwards said in response to the reaction to the tweet.: "When second homeowners are in residence obviously they contribute to the local economy and this is much appreciated but most of the year the houses lie empty and they contribute nothing. I personally fully understand why someone would want to buy a holiday home and live in a place such as Conwy as it’s beautiful. But, to enjoy this perk they must contribute more to help compensate for the reduction of local housing stock. The same is true of Cornwall and the Lake District.
"I have two of my three children of a house-buying age and it’s almost impossible for them to contemplate such a purchase. This cannot be right. The planning consent rules for local people also needs a major overhaul to reflect local needs."
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