To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received on the use of receipts from the local taxation of second homes. (143271)

[holding answer 15 June 2007]: Communities and Local Government does not hold a record of representations received about the use of receipts from the local taxation of second homes. Since 1 April 2004, billing authorities have had the freedom to reduce the council tax discount on second homes from 50 per cent. to 10 per cent. In 2005-06 authorities raised an additional £92 million from the reduced second homes discount. The use of that revenue is a matter for individual authorities to decide in light of local priorities.