The proposal was outlined in the government's rural white paper published last month.

We are not dragging our heels

Michael Meacher

Speaking to the Commons environment, transport and regions committee, Environment Minister Michael Meacher denied the government had decided to delay the measure until after a general election.

He said ministers would be seeking time to introduce legislation in the current session of parliament and before a general election.

It is widely predicted that prime minister Tony Blair has pencilled in 3 May as the date of the general election.

Mr Meacher denied claims by members of the committee that the government was dragging its heels on the issue.

"Regarding the issue of council tax on second homes, no it has not been put off until after an election.

"The intention is to move as quickly as we can. It does require primary legislation and if we can get legislation through in this parliament we will do that.

"We are not dragging our heels," he said.

Under the government's plans, local authorities will be given a choice as to whether to charge full council tax on second homes.

At the moment second home owners in England get a 50% discount on second properties which often tend to be located in rural areas forcing up house prices for local people.

Affordable housing

The measure will enable local authorities to charge the full amount and to ringfence the extra money for new affordable housing.

The move could cost 250,000 second home owners in the region of �350 extra each year.

Mr Meacher told MPs that the new housing would be earmarked for locals.

"There is a demand for new housing and people cannot get away from that.

"Properties are intended for people who have lived in the area for a long time and can demonstrate that."

Mr Meacher added that efforts to improve life in urban areas went hand in hand with plans to boost the countryside economy.

"We are trying to reduce demand for rural homes by improving life in urban areas, by improving transport and reducing crime. It is not easy but it is important."

Hedgerow regulations

Mr Meacher was quizzed about government plans to introduce new hedgerow regulations.

He was criticised for failing to introduce guidelines, which he promised to do two years ago, to protect individuals from neighbours with overgrown hedges and trees.

Mr Meacher said: "I am embarrassed by the delay."

He added: "We are very keen to produce revised hedgerow regulations. It is still a few months away but we are hoping to have something in the first half of next year whether or not that is before an election if one were to occur."