The article centers on a couple's frustration with a new council tax surcharge on second homes in the Cotswolds. They argue the tax is unfair, citing their significant spending within the community and the fact that their purchase didn't displace a first-time buyer. The couple purchased a high-spec property that had remained unsold for months, suggesting it wasn't initially within reach of first-time buyers.
The couple bought their second home in 2023, driven by a desire for a more relaxing weekend escape and dissatisfaction with the service they previously received. The house, a spacious detached property, cost £500,000. Its features included a sophisticated heat pump and electric vehicle charging.
The couple feel the new tax is a 'tax raid' unrelated to solving the housing crisis. They emphasize their considerable expenditure in the Cotswolds community, suggesting the tax is disproportionate to their contribution.