Lamb: Affordable Housing Must Benefit from Extra Council Tax Revenue

9.40.17am GMT Mon 19th Jan 2004

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk,has urged Norfolk County Council to re-open negotiations with District Councils on how the extra revenue raised from the reduced Council Tax discount for second homes should be applied, so as to help fund the provision of more affordable housing.

Under current proposals in Norfolk, substantial sums raised from second home owners in North Norfolk and other holiday areas will go to the County Council.

The MP's call follows his discovery that in Cornwall, it looks as though District Councils will retain 75 per cent of the extra cash and that it will be committed to the provision of affordable housing.

"I feel that Norfolk should follow Cornwall's lead," said Norman Lamb. "The two counties have a lot in common in respect of how second homes affect the housing market, making it harder for local people to acquire properties.

"The provision of more affordable housing is a key priority for me and the District Council. My proposal could release substantial extra funds for new affordable homes, which - as my own constituency postbag demonstrates - is an urgent requirement. I firmly believe that extra funds raised by the reduction of the second home discount in North Norfolk should be for North Norfolk's own benefit."