Dismay over tax on second homes

EMAILS and letters have poured in to The Connexion from readers angered by plans to levy a new tax on French holiday homes from 2012.
The proposed tax would be at least as high as the taxe foncière in most cases, meaning an extra bill of several hundred to several thousand euros a year dependent on home size and location.
The tax would apply to non-residents, of all nationalities, who have second homes that are not let out. MPs will vote on the issue shortly but it is thought it may be passed due to a lack of political representation from
those affected. The government claims that second home-owners should contribute more to the national budget, to make up for infrastructure and services they use but do not fund through income tax.
MEP Ashley Fox said the EU Commission is scrutinising the proposals to see if the law impedes the free movement of capital. It is as yet unclear if homeowners would be exempt if the home is on the market to be let - but not actually let - or if it is only let out for part of the year.
Inside:
We’re not rich, we’re thrifty - Second-home owner
The government is being unjust and incompetent
– Mayor of Bergerac, Dominique Rousseau