A couple who own a second home have said they will no longer use a Welsh business in protest of having to pay extra taxes. They wrote a letter to a local butcher, saying they would “support English businesses”.
Edwards Butchers of Conwy on Conwy High Street received a letter from Phil and Sandra, which he posted on social media, reports NorthWalesLive. They claimed they felt “undesirable” after the Welsh government allowed local authorities to levy up to 100% of the standard rate of council tax on second homes.
These measures are intended to reduce the number of second homes in Wales, which could increase local house prices and cause some to be withdrawn from the market. Local authorities cannot increase the council tax to 300%, but none of the municipalities currently charge this amount.
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(Image: EDWARDS OF CONWY)
Addressed to Ewan Edwards of Edwards in Conwy, the letter read: “I just wanted to let you know that we have spent hundreds of pounds every year on your boat with your excellent selection of meats since we bought our house 20 years ago. Second home owner, your government decided to charge us in excess of our council tax. I have written to them several times with my doubts and objections, but have not even received a reply.
“On every visit I’ve supported local businesses, local workers have looked after my property, but now I feel redundant and see no reason to support any local businesses. Instead, I will support English companies.
(Image: Edwards of Conwy)
(Image: Edwards of Conwy)
“I am very sorry that we will no longer visit your store. I know you deprive me and my family of your wonderful products and we will miss your warm and friendly staff. I am sorry you lose the product of my purchases but I am so angry with the way we were treated that I cannot return my money to a local business.
“I know many other second home owners who feel the same way. Perhaps your town halls might start to reconsider when businesses like yours get out of the habit of also bringing takeout. Thank you for the excellent service we received 20 years ago. We wish you and your team the best. Phil and Sandra.
The letter received criticism online after it was shared on Edwards of Conwy’s Twitter account. The post received over 130 comments. Justin Morgan said: “This entitlement says it all: if they can afford a second home they can afford the tax, there’s no need to ask the Welsh government about it.” Dan Lawrence added on Twitter: “To threaten you with being a Welsh company just because they don’t like the Welsh government’s decision is bizarre behaviour.” Iwan Hiraethog said, “I don’t care how much local businesses benefit if someone lives there 52 weeks a year.”
Business owner Edwards said in response to the reaction to the tweet: “When second home owners are in they obviously contribute to the local economy and that is much appreciated but most of the year the homes are empty and not do nothing. I personally completely understand why anyone would want to buy a holiday home and live in a place like Conwy as it is beautiful. But to enjoy this benefit, they must contribute more to offset the drop in local housing. The same goes for Cornwall and the Lake District.
“I have two of my three children at the age where they are ready to buy a house and it’s almost impossible for them to think about that purchase. Wrong. Planning consent rules for local residents also need revision to reflect local needs.”
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
