I am reaching out to draw attention to a grave injustice: the imposition of double council tax on second homes. This issue has become deeply personal to me, as I have inherited a property that currently sits empty while I contemplate its future use. Despite this, I am burdened with an excessive financial demand from the council, a practice I find to be utterly unreasonable and unfair.

Councils have historically sold off their housing stock at reduced prices to tenants. Now, these same councils impose punitive taxes on individuals who either purchase or inherit an additional property. This policy seems not only punitive but also contradictory to a history of providing affordable housing solutions. Many homes, like mine, remain empty and are not utilizing public services, yet the financial burden is imposed nonetheless.

To add to the injustice, I am aware of a block of flats owned by the council that has stood empty for over two years. It seems hypocritical for councils to penalize private owners for empty properties while they themselves fail to manage their own housing assets effectively. The revenue from double taxation on empty properties does not seem to correlate with the upkeep or provision of additional services, further questioning the necessity of this policy.

We need a fairer system that acknowledges the diversity of circumstances around second home ownership. Whether for renovation, inheritance, or other reasons, these properties should not automatically be subject to double taxation. Councils need to reassess their fiscal policies and approach this issue with more empathy and understanding of individual homeowners' circumstances.

This petition calls for an end to double council tax for second homes, particularly those that are not generating additional strain on municipal resources. I urge the council to reconsider and repeal this practice, developing more equitable taxation policies that reflect true use rather than causing undue financial harm to responsible property owners.

Please join me in signing this petition to ask our councils to revoke this policy and manage their own empty properties responsibly. Let's advocate for a change that aligns with fairness, accountability, and respect for individual property rights.