Greens propose ‘Offord tax’ to stop wealthy from hoarding homes
The Scottish Greens will introduce an ‘Offord tax’ to discourage a small number of super-rich individuals from hoarding so many extra homes during a housing crisis.
During last night’s STV election debate, as part of his question to Green co-leader Ross Greer, the Reform leader Lord Malcolm Offord announced that he owned six homes as well as six boats and five cars.
In response, Greer highlighted that there are three times as many ‘second homes’ and empty homes in Scotland as there are homeless children.
At present, someone buying a second or holiday home anywhere in Scotland must pay a tax known as the Additional Dwelling Supplement.
The Offord tax would act as a ‘multiplier’ meaning that the rate paid would increase for every additional property bought. In effect, a third home would cost more than a second home and a fourth home would cost more than a third etc. This would discourage hoarding and free up more homes for people who will actually live in them.
The change would build on successful reforms already made by the Scottish Greens, namely doubling the Additional Dwelling Supplement from 4% to 8%. This already raises more than a quarter of a billion pounds a year for local services while reducing the number of empty and holiday homes.
Green co-leader Ross Greer said:
“Reform try to blame immigrants for the housing crisis, but it turns out they’re the ones causing it with their greed.”
“Nobody needs six houses, and it is baffling that Lord Offord thought that it was something to boast about, along with all of his yachts and cars.
“Housing is a human right, but a small number of very rich people like Lord Offord are hoarding homes they just do not need. At the same time, thousands of people can't get a home of their own and are being priced out of the communities they grew up in.
“The Scottish Greens’ Offord tax will help to tackle that imbalance. By making it more expensive for those who already own their own homes to hoard extra properties, we can boost the chances of first time buyers having their offers accepted.
“Changes already delivered by the Scottish Greens have reduced the number of second and holiday homes, freeing up more properties for people who need a home to live in.
“But we have a lot further to go if we are to build a housing sector that works for ordinary people and families, not the super rich.”
