Editor

I am extremely disappointed to read that a number of local councillors and politicians believe owners of houses in North Wales, whose councils have unilaterally categorised them as second-homes, are exploiting a legal loophole by declaring their properties to be businesses.

The UK Government website states: “If your property is in Wales it will be rated as a selfcatering property and valued for business rates if it’s both: available to let for short periods that total 140 days or more per year; and actually let for 70 days.” It is therefore disingenuous to suggest owners are exploiting a loophole when in fact they are complying with UK tax regulations, which they are legally bound to do.

These same councillors now believe that self-catering businesses should not be eligible for the £10,000 grant to help survive the coronavirus crisis. What a short-sighted attitude. These are businesses supporting the Welsh tourist industry! Why should they be discriminated against just because some councillors believe they are owned by “rich foreigners” - I would add that many of them are actually owned by North Wales residents.

I say all this as an expatriate Welshman and ex-serviceman who has invested large sums of money in his country but is now being told by jumped-up councillors and politicians that he is not welcome.

John Rees Moss

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