Many people in Kingsbridge own second homes

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has just published its report into the housing crisis in the South Hams area of Devon.

There average house prices are �330,068 while average wages are �20,103.

The CRC report said high council taxes on second homes and high taxes on profits from sales could be reinvested in affordable housing.

There needs to be concerted action by government at a regional and local level Caroline Cotterell, CRC Tell BBC Devon what you think. Click on Message Board

Kingsbridge Mayor Bob Freeman, a former second home owner himself, said he did not believe there would be much opposition to the idea.

He said: "I am sure the people who can afford second homes can well afford a 100% increase in council tax.

"I don't think too many of them would make a fuss."

The CRC spoke to people in eight areas of the England suffering from a shortage of affordable housing.

Their views will be submitted to the government's Affordable Rural Housing Commission.

Other recommendations include changes to housing policies to protect rural communities and more involvement of local communities in housing decisions.

Caroline Cotterell, head of the CRC's rural housing inquiry, said: "People in the South West gave us an overwhelming sense of frustration that they are not being supported or listened to even though the lack of affordable housing has been a problem for a long time.

"There needs to be concerted action by government at a regional and local level."