Conservative MPs "putting profit over people" as they vote down second homes amendment

In response to Conservative MPs voting against his second homes amendment to the Stamp Duty Land Tax Bill, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron said: 

“It’s disappointing but unsurprising that the Conservatives’ voted against my amendment to ensure a robust yearly review of the impact these second homes are having in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Conservative MPs are choosing to put profit over people once again. The Government's plans are going to invite swathes of second home owners to buy up available properties and either rent them out as holiday lets or leave them empty for half the year.

“My amendment would have forced the Government to be transparent about how many people were using the stamp duty reduction to purchase second homes, allowing us to assess the impact on the local community which is already being driven out.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Full amendment wording: 

Tim Farron _NC3

Helen Morgan

To move the following Clause—

“Review: second homes in National Parks and Areas of Natural Beauty

The Chancellor of the Exchequer must publish an annual report on the impact

of this Act on the number of second homes in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding 

Natural Beauty.”

Member's explanatory statement

This new clause would require that an annual report is published on the impact of the Bill on the number of second or subsequent homes in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.