Rob revisits the impact of council tax hikes on second homes in Wales, particularly focusing on Pembrokeshire. He looks at the significant increase in second homes on the market, which has risen from 38 in July 2023 to 135 in July 2024, largely attributed to a drastic 300% council tax increase for second homeowners. The conversation highlights the ongoing tensions between local residents, tourists, and second home owners, emphasising the complexities of finding a one-size-fits-all solution. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In Pembrokeshire, council tax for second homes has increased dramatically, with some homeowners facing a 300% rise. This has led to a significant increase in the number of second homes on the market, indicating that many owners are selling due to the financial burden.
• Local people often complain about high property prices and a lack of available homes, while businesses rely on tourism for revenue, creating a challenging dynamic.
• The policies aimed at making housing more affordable, such as increased council tax for second homes, may have unintended negative consequences. Instead of helping local residents, these measures could harm local businesses and the economy by driving away tourism.
• With only 20 to 30 houses built in the Newport area over the last 30 years, there is a clear need for more construction to meet demand and stabilise prices.

BEST MOMENTS

"Pembrokeshire has done is they've been a bit too draconian here and they have trebled their council tax bill."

"If you want prices to come down, you probably have to flood the market with properties. That really means building a lot more."

"If the local people aren't able to afford these homes, then you're going to have a lot of property that's going to be sat empty."

"Raising council tax rates isn't going to do the job because the very people you're trying to protect and help... they're going to get screwed over more than likely."

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