There are many second homes in Cumbria, especially in lakes it could be fully used to house people displaced by the floods hit. Unfortunately, it now looks like it will be an increasing threat due to climate change, a national registry of these houses would be of immediate assistance to emergency services in these areas. If the act of the government to legislate for such eventualities and regional registries have properties that would be of great help in an emergency, a second set of keys and codes could be maintained with the local police. After looking around, I learned – the seizure of personal property by the government is risky, if we give them that right then it can easily be abused. A better option is to set up a nonprofit organization where people can voluntarily register their homes and receive an automated confirmation phone call at their second home will be used and what it will be used. A respectable percentage of homes are likely to be "recruited" and in this way and dosnt have the same potential for abuse.
OMG this is the best question ever I think that would be a great idea i've never thought of that some rich people have 3-4 different houses and vacation homes they hardly ever use why not take their keys and give them to somebody in need
They should do it anyway. People having second homes is a national disgrace when so many of the population could never afford a first home. This is not an issue you'll ever see in the papers, funnily enough. A star for you.
Absolutely mate. I need a nice new pad. Am sick of kipping at me dads . . .
Hmm – good idea in principle, if the local authorities kept a register of homes available for short-term disaster relief, with the owners' consent – but certainly not enforced and only subject to certain guarantees (which I doubt would be forthcoming).
Imagine you’ve a 'holiday home' and plan to spend Christmas, Easter or the Summer there. And it's let to others for holidays for much of the year. The property is therefore occupied for much of the time, bringing tourist revenues to the district. How could it be reasonable for local authorities to demand the right to requisition such a property ? If the rules only applied to otherwise vacant or little-used 2nd homes – how much bureaucracy would be involved in monitoring, checking actual usage ?
A voluntary system would perhaps be feasible – but what if re-housed 'refugees' were embroiled in lengthy legal disputes (with say Insurers) and remained in situ for 18 months or more – whilst the property owner was either unable to rent out the property – or sell it, as a pre-planned part of a financial scheme for retirement or whatever ?
I think we can be sure the local authorities would be very slow to foot the bill for any such unforeseen costs/losses to the owner.
But there's a more fundamental principle at stake. We know 2nd home owners (especially MPs !!!) get a bad press – but once you go down the slippery slope of 'authorities' having the legal right to requisition citizen's private property where would it end ? What about 2-car owners ?
If Citizen A loses both his home and car in the floods – and Insurers do their usual month-delaying shenanigans – why not 'make' Citizen B hand over the keys to both his 2nd home and his 2nd car ?
And what about Widow Wendy – who lives in a 6 bedroom mansion – with far more free extra space than a holiday country cottage ? Do we force her to do her 'civic duty' just the same as a 2nd property owner ?
We rely heavily on 'Volunteer' aid because it's freely given – not imposed/monitored – is flexible/adaptable – and much more 'immediate' when needed. I'd suggest local authorities should continue, as at present, to liaise with all local 'community' resources available, – including public and religious sect properties – and that central government should have overriding powers to intervene swiftly to ensure provision of safety measures, clean water, power and other vital services.
Gordon Brown has had his 'photo opportunities' – seen on telly 'on the job' – viewing the scene for himself – but to what extent will he be pulling strings, pressing buttons, making things happen – to provide real help ?
Like – sanctioning an immediate 5 or 10 million £ extra relief fund for local authorities to spend as best and quickly as they deem wise – or will he continue to waffle about decentralisation – whilst keeping a tight grip on the purse strings – leaving local authorities to foot the bill ?
Although I feel sorry for those losing their homes, this is just another left wing proposal to steal property from people who have bought homes for holidays, probably in advance of their own retirement.
It's another case of You've got, I haven't, I want.
Nimrod is obviously a labour supporter
Just take take take Notice he didn`t offer to give up his home to the unfortunate
We don't need to give the government anymore Powers
Tho I think another way should be found to do this.
Its a good idea
I have a second home and would let people in a disaster area use it.
But its not in that area.
They did it during the war years to help rehouse those affected by the bombing – and large houses were often taken over for schools, government buildings etc so in principal would be a great idea but they are someone's home and have their stuff etc in. Not sure how I would feel if I had a second home I loved and found that a family with badly behaved kids/teenagers had moved in and my stuff wasn't protected. The government or local authority would find themselves so snowed under with complaints about how the property was being kept etc. There should be a scheme where it could be used but the owners of the property should have the right to decide who stays at their place!
No – what the Government should do is reduce Aid that is going overseas and pump more money into the area. £1million is a drop in the ocean compared to what we send overseas every year.
As to climate change being the cause – well it would appear that figures and stats have been massaged to support the theory that the earth is warming up according to articles in several newspapers this morning.
The right to private property is a Constituional right. I guess you “feel good” Libbies forget that, eh? Grow up already.
If people wish to volunteer, they can do so.
Perhaps the government should hand over all of their second homes? As it is their fault all these houses were built on flood plains.
Sounds good to me. . . make them give them up to illegals
No. The only time private property should be commandeered/borrowed is in a grave national emergency like a war. I am sure lots of people with a conscience may well rent their homes out anyway. State respecting individuals private property is guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998.
OMG.
No.
So, are you kidding ?
Gee.
I am sure if there was a VOLUNTEER thing like that it would be OK.
But to have the GOVERNMENT FORCE IT ?
NO WAY.
I personally have had enough of the government interfering with my life. There are tragedies all over the world that range from floods to fires.
There is the Red Cross and other agencies. There are other countries that offer help too. People can even make personal donations.
People should make emergency plans – for their families and on a city and countrywide basis.
People need to be prepared.
Peace.