I HAVE no sympathy with Mr Newman’s comments in his recent letter . He gives an entirely incorrect account of reality with regard to second home ownership in Pembrokeshire.

Contrary to what he says, a one bedroom flat could be an ideal starter home for a single person or a young couple.

Many would bite his hand off for the opportunity!

On the question of affordability, why does he think that the prices are so high? Not because it is near the beach, Mr Newman.

It is because the prices are hugely inflated by the second home purchasers or the buy to rent speculators who compete over such properties.

Take these out of the equation and the prices would be much more affordable for local people.

Mr Newman suggests that he lets his flat during the year and therefore increases the number of visitors and boosts the local economy.

If indeed he is letting his flat for more than 70 days a year then he would not have to pay any council tax at all as it would be classed as a business and not rated as a domestic property. Whether classed as a business or not, he would be liable to pay tax on his income.

If he is not letting it as a business, but is instead allowing it to be used by family and friends for holidays rent free, then he is depriving other hospitality providers in the area of business and losing them income.

If indeed he wants to support the local economy and really values the preservation of the beautiful area he visits he should not begrudge the payment of a bit extra into local coffers so that local people and their environment can be better catered for by their council.

Alternatively, he can choose to pay no council tax at all by having it rated as a business.

If he doesn’t like either option and really wants to help the housing situation then he should put his flat on the market at a price level that the young can afford and refuse to sell to speculators and second homers. That would show his support for the homeless in a real way.

DAVID GARDNER

Trefin