The new Welsh Secretary, Robert Buckland MP, has criticised the Welsh Government over its plans to tackle second homes in Wales. In an interview with Newyddion S4C on Monday at the Eisteddfod, Mr Buckland said that the Welsh Government's recent decision to permit local authorities to increase council tax premiums was "heavy-handed".
The Welsh Government announced tough new rules aimed at combating the number of second homes in rural Welsh communities in March of this year. The maximum level at which local authorities can set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties will be increased to 300%, which will be effective from April 2023.
Currently, premiums are set at a maximum level of 100% and local authorities opting to apply premiums have access to additional funding, which the government has encouraged councils to use to improve the supply of affordable housing. Under the new rules however, councils will get to decide the level that is appropriate for their individual local circumstances.
