London Editor

The Government is considering stripping second-home owners of the right to choose which constituency they vote in for general elections.

Cabinet Office minister John Taylor has told the House of Lords that a review of existing arrangements, which has been called for in the Westcountry, is under way.

At present, those owning a second home in a constituency other than the one where they mainly live is allowed to be on the electoral roll in both seats. They can choose which constituency to cast their vote for in at a general election

They are also are allowed to vote in elections for both local authorities, even if they occur on the same day.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach told peers: "The Government has no current plans to restrict the rights of second-home owners, but we will keep the issue under review."

He was pressed by Liberal Democrat peer Robin Teverson, who urged the Government to "take steps" to ensure that people are only able to vote in national elections where their main residence is located.

Lord Taylor responded: "I can confirm the Government are considering this further. Lords will recognise the difficulties that can arise from such definitions."

Lord Teverson, a councillor in Cornwall, says he believes the only "fair and equitable" solution is one where people only vote in the constituency where they have their main home.

The issue is seen as particularly problematic for the Westcountry, where second-home ownership is among the highest in the country. In Cornwall, one in 20 properties is now a second home and, in the worst affected areas, it is one in ten in Devon.

Lib Dems have complained that those owning holiday homes do not spend much time in the region, but they have had a significant impact on election results that have seen a swing to the Conservatives.

Another group who are permitted to register in two constituencies are students, who do not know where they will be living when a general election is called. Under present rules, the Electoral Commission has said, voters in this position are free to select which seat they cast their vote in as they wish.

Cornwall Council is seeking legal clarification on the issue. In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg last year, Kevin Lavery, chief executive at Cornwall Council, said: "The current legal provisions relating to voter registration and second homes are confusing for those that are responsible for overseeing electoral registration, those responsible for implementing it and, most importantly, the electorate."