https://www.facebook.com/LukePollard/videos/755511251614797/

• Luke wants an investigation on empty student accommodation
• Student blocks are exempt from paying council tax and business rates
• Luke: “If re-elected, I’ll push for new powers for councils to be able to act.”

Luke Pollard is calling on an investigation of purpose-built student accommodation. The inquiry will look at empty student accommodation to be charged a premium rate. Many purpose-built student accommodation blocks, like Crescent Point, are currently vacant. At the moment, student blocks are exempt from paying council tax and business rates.

Luke Pollard, seeking re-election as MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said:

“Students are a fantastic asset to our city. As well as bringing meaningful economic benefits, they add a diversity, richness and vibrancy to our city. I want to see more students in Plymouth because Plymouth is such a brilliant place to study. However as more students come to Plymouth more unscrupulous business practices have sprung up to profit from them.

 

Crescent Point has been lying empty for way too long. When buildings like this are kept empty they do not contribute to our society. Big Business chooses to leave this building empty and I want to investigate if they should be charged a premium rate on these properties.

 

We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and with rising homelessness these empty buildings should be used, to help build a fairer society. Or, they should be paying premium rates so they contribute to our local services. if re-elected I’ll push for new powers for councils to be able to act.”

In Plymouth, rough sleeping and homelessness are on the rise. Lying at the heart of the soaring homelessness epidemic is austerity. The cruel, inhumane policies pursued by the Tories have been linked to more than 130,000 death since 2012. Since 2010, austerity has resulted in a real term cut of 59% in support for vulnerable people with their housing.