MEMBERS of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, and indeed Craven District Council, must feel they have been stabbed in the back.

At a time when they are doing their utmost to increase the number of affordable homes for local people, they have been dealt a major blow by the Government.

The Treasury announced this week that it was planning to allow people with self-invested pensions to buy second homes as part of their savings - and get up to 40 per cent tax relief on the price of the property.

It is a nonsensical move, which will only push house prices further beyond the reach of many people living in Craven.

And it sends out the wrong message - how can you justify a policy that would see a higher rate tax payer paying 40 per cent less for a house than a local person who desperately needs somewhere to live.

Already, of the 10,300 homes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, 15 per cent are registered as second homes or holiday lets.

It is vital for Craven's future that we retain vibrant communities - with children to fill the schools and permanent residents to support the village shops, post offices, pubs and other businesses.

The Government must rethink this policy before it is too late.