A DECISION to reduce the council tax subsidy on second homes in south Warwickshire has been welcomed by a Studley councillor.

Liberal Democrat leader Hazel Wright, who represents Studley on Stratford District Council, said it has taken two years for the ruling Tory group to agree to the reductions.

The change means owners of second homes in the south Warwick-shire district will now have to pay 90 per cent council tax, rather than the subsidised rate of 50 per cent.

"The Liberal Democrat group was concerned that owners of second homes were given these subsidies, yet at the expense of other council taxpayers, who could least afford it - like pensioners," said Mrs Wright.

The district has 382 second homes and 905 unoccupied properties claiming discounts at the moment.

"The change is estimated to raise additional council tax of about £650,000 in the first year and then £190,000 in subsequent years and will come into effect in April, Mrs Wright added.

"We are delighted that at last the Conservatives have agreed to this change. Residents told us very clearly they were against the Conservative policy of giving council tax subsidies to second home owners.

"With nearly 1,000 empty properties in the district we are hoping this will encourage people to make better use of houses that are lying empty."