Right to a second home

AS A business owner, I contribute to the economy with jobs and taxes. I took huge personal risks to establish my firm before I saw any rewards.

Last year I decided to treat myself to a second home in Mumbles, where I hope to retire.

I bought a run-down property for £274,000 and spent £150,000 making it habitable. These figures are well beyond first-time buyers.

I employed local plumbers and builders, pumping money into the area. So I can’t understand why I will be penalised by being charged twice the amount — and soon three times — of council tax. How can this be fair? How is this going to help first-time buyers on low incomes? Is the plan to make the property market crash? Are councils going to use the extra council tax money to build affordable homes, though there isn’t a location or timescale for this far

fetched scheme. If the Welsh Senedd wishes that those who have worked hard should pay for homes for the young, then just come out and say it.

Maybe we could call it a homeless tax and all those who are felt to be wealthy beyond their needs should take out a mortgage on behalf of the young.

ANDREW EVANS, Swansea.