For the last thirteen months Anthony has been working hand-in-glove with South Hams District Council Leader Judy Pearce to close the oversight whereby second homeowners have been able to avoid paying council tax by registering for business rates.
Together, they worked to create a policy paper which was submitted in March 2020 to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick MP and a number of others. In that paper they called for this oversight to be closed and for the eligibility criteria for business rates to be increased.
So, it was particularly welcome to be told last week that the reforms will now be put into place and legislation will be brought forward. Legitimate holiday rentals will see no change in their circumstances, but those who sought to reduce their tax liabilities by claiming business rates without actually renting out their house will no longer be able to do so.
The level of lost tax receipts in South Devon is estimated to be around £1.2m per annum. Closing this loophole down will have a huge benefit on local services as well as helping to ensure those that enjoy South Devon on a part-time basis can contribute to its upkeep and maintenance on a full-time basis.