LOCAL LABOUR CO-OP COUNCILLORS are calling on the Tory-led Government for a change in the law which allows people with a second property to receive a council tax discount of 10%.

The call for action is in light of revelations that 1200 homeowners in Brighton & Hove are entitled to receive the discount, during a time of historic council cuts and a chronic city housing shortages.

Brighton & Hove Labour & Co-operative Leader, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said:

“We were quite surprised to learn that 1200 home owners in Brighton & Hove are entitled to a second home discount of 10%, which is even more shocking given the chronic housing shortage in the city.

“Brighton & Hove has a high density of housing, which is unaffordable to the majority of residents who face being squeezed by high costs and low wages, as well as other financial pressures. Furthermore, nearly ten thousand residents are on the council house waiting list.

“I would therefore urge the Tory-led Government to review the law which requires second home owners to be given a council tax discount and maybe give local councils powers to set their own rates of council tax for second homes.”