On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday, South Lakes MP Tim Farron denounced the so-called reforms to improve housing issues caused as a result of second home ownership laid out in the Queen's speech.

Speaking to the House, Mr. Farron stated that the government's proposed reforms to tackle second home ownership is not comprehensive and will leave communities hollow as families are unable to grow and raise their CHILDREN. Mr. Farron acknowledged that the government does plan to double council tax on second homes which are left empty for the whole year but that this leaves loopholes for those properties bought as an investment to let out as holiday homes: "It means that the small business will pay no council tax and no business rates either, and that people in Kendal, Penrith, Appleby and Ambleside who are going to food banks are subsidising wealthy people with second, third and fourth homes."

Liberal Democrats have increased their number of councillors on Kendal Town Council last week from 25 to 26.

Last week's local elections saw the party win all but two seats on the council.

Kendal Town Councillor for the Kendal Castle ward Eamonn Hennessy said: "I'm really humbled that so many people have once again put their faith in our Lib Dem team to represent them on the Town Council.

Jonathan Brook has been elected leader of the Liberal Democrat group of the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

It comes after a stunning election victory for the Lib Dems on Friday, winning 36 seats to take control of the new unitary council.

Jonathan is currently the leader of South Lakeland District Council, was previously the council's portfolio holder for Housing and Innovation and this week was elected to be the new unitary councillor for the Kendal South ward.

This Saturday, local MP Tim Farron will take on the Staveley 18k Lakeland Trail Run to raise money for the Clean River Kent campaign.

The campaign group is formed of residents from Kendal, Burneside and Staveley who want to significantly reduce the amount of sewage discharged into the River Kent by wastewater treatment works and storm overflows.

Liberal Democrats in the South Lakes are calling for an end to a tax loophole that is seeing "a wealthy person with a second home" being subsidised by "families relying on foodbanks".

Will Clark, Lib Dem county councillor for the Lakes division, helped to put forward a motion at today's full council meeting to lobby Government to make holiday let owners pay council tax, rather than getting small business rate relief.