The number of second homes in Cornwall rose by around 1,000 this year, putting it leagues ahead of anywhere else in England and putting locals trying to get a foot on the property ladder at a disadvantage.

Campaigners have warned that while some of the homes welcome tourists

It puts first-time buyers in a difficult position, co-founder of the First Not Second Homes group, Catherine Hayes, told Express.co.uk.

It comes after Cornwall Council’s pledge to introduce a 100% council tax premium on second homes from next April.

Second homes refers to furnished properties that are not classed as a main residence – and Cornwall’s 14,000-strong market for such houses easily leaves runner-up Yorkshire’s 8,572 properties in the dust.

“For too long, property has been viewed as a form of investment for profit at the expense of both the community and the local economy,” she said.

“We need a sea change in how we view property ownership and the social responsibility that should accompany it.”

Catherine described the new council tax premium as “a small step in the right direction”, adding that “any measures that discourage the ownership of under-utilised second homes is positive legislation”.

“Let’s be clear, we’re referring to homes that are standing empty,” she said. “I know people who have been in emergency and temporary accommodation since before the pandemic due to a lack of affordable housing – people who there are simply no options for because the council can only help the most vulnerable. This needs to change, now.”

Andrew George MP, who represents West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has also raised the issue of second homes in his constituency in the House of Commons – calling for a balance between the county’s “vital” tourism industry, which is worth 15% of the local economy, or around £2 billion annually, and the interests of locals on the ground.

“It is important to get the balance right in the usage of properties and how and which properties are used in the industry,” he said.

“There is often a big mismatch between earnings levels and house prices, given the large amount of wealth that wishes to invest in those properties.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Cornwall, like many places, is facing a housing shortage. However, with an open housing market, we cannot control who people sell their homes to or how many properties individuals own.

“From next April, second homeowners in Cornwall will face a 100% council tax premium on their properties, which will raise a significant amount of extra income for the council and might just encourage owners of relatively cheaper homes to put them on the market.”