Should second homes pay more council tax?

I AGREE it is not fair that secondhome owners should pay three times the amount of council tax in Wales (Letters).

Council tax is raised to pay for local services, so how can providing this to second-home owners cost the council any more?

The real reason for this discrimination is the politics of envy. Why shouldn’t someone who has worked hard all their life not enjoy the proceeds?

What is a disgrace is that council tax is wasted on vanity projects that no one wants.

There is a desperate need for new housing in Wales, but it is easier to blame second-home owners than the failing of the political leaders. It’s not that many years ago when property owned by anyone not of Welsh heritage was burnt to the ground.

I am Welsh born and bred and live in a property I inherited. But because my name is on the deeds of a property occupied by my son in England, I have to pay double and soon three times council tax.

Name and address supplied. I AM surprised at the view that until everyone has a house of their own, second homes are an expense that society can’t afford. Should we ration every scarce commodity or impose restrictions to achieve a Socialist dream of equality? How about homes with more than one vehicle using residential parking? In many tourist areas the homes needed for local families are not in the same property pool as those sought as second homes. Youngsters often leave the area due to a lack of employment. Second-home owners provide significant local employment through refurbishment and maintenance. Without this and the increase in tourism, the earning potential in many of these areas would be reduced.

ROGER PALMER, Winchester, Hants.