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WEALTHY owners of holiday homes in the Cotswolds should be forced to pay as much council tax as local people do, say civic chiefs.

People living elsewhere but owning second homes in the Cotswolds presently only pay 90 per cent council tax because they get a 10 per cent discount.

A call for them to pay the full rate was due to be made at a special Cotswold District Council meeting being held as the Journal went to press.

Councillor Peter Clarke tabled a question for council leader Cllr Lynden Stowe asking if second home owners should pay 100 per cent of the local tax.

His question read: "Given that second homes are entitled to the benefits and services provided by the local authorities and the police and emergency services, does he agree with me that these dwellings should be liable to the full rate of council tax at the appropriate band?

"This council should press the county council and the police and emergency services that the additional income is spent in this district."

Cllr Clarke also asked for details of existing policy regarding "the apparently unconstrained developments of second and holiday homes in the area".

In a prepared answer, Cllr Stowe said: "My own personal view concurs with that of Cllr Clarke in that I agree that second homes should be liable to the full rate of council tax at the appropriate band.

"I can assure Cllr Clarke that cabinet members and officers regularly lobby our colleagues at both Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Police Authority for increased resources in the Cotswolds."

Cllr Carole Topple, the council's corporate planning portfolio holder, confirmed current policy allows the development of various tourism facilities, including self-catering accommodation.

11:58am Thursday 8th May 2008

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