News about Kathryn Walker

Residents living in seaside tourist hotspots are taking a stand against second homeowners and holiday lets by refusing to sell them houses and tripling council tax. One of these is the cosy little market town of Narberth which lies in one of the most popular tourist spots in Wales - Pembrokeshire, which is full of rolling hills and has over 50 beaches. It's a short 25 minute drive to Tenby, the postcard tourist trap where rents have soared and locals have been forced out by the overwhelming surge of hotels, Airbnbs and second home owners. The problem has become so bad, Pembrokeshire County Council operates a 100 per cent council tax premium for second homes and is considering doubling this - effectively triple the standard rate. And it's not the only one, with locals in Yorkshire, Devon and Kent calling for their councils to follow suit and do more to tackle the summer tide of holidaymakers which leave their towns 'dark and depressing' in winter.