CAMPAIGNERS are calling for action to control spiralling house prices across Dorset.

They want to see the 50 per cent council tax discount currently enjoyed by owners of second homes abolished, in the hope that it might help increase the availability of property.

The call comes after the Halifax reported the biggest monthly rise in UK house prices since its records began 19 years ago.

The average cost of a home increased by more than 4.2 per cent in May, from £102,808 to £107,152.

The rise takes annual house price inflation to 18.5 per cent.

Just a few weeks ago the Dorset Echo revealed that the price of a detached home in the county had passed the £200,000 barrier for the first time.

Figures in the Land Registry's latest quarterly review show that the average price of a detached home shot up nearly 12 per cent to £205,066 in January-March - £21,000 more than in the same period last year.

Council chiefs in Weymouth and West Dorset say that soaring property prices, combined with incomes below the national average, are making the dream of a home unattainable for hundreds of people, particularly the young.

Housing campaigner Brian Ellis, a Weymouth and Portland borough councillor, said: "It is time the house building programme was tailored towards the need of communities.

"The council is particularly keen to see the council tax reduction withdrawn for owners of holiday and second homes in the borough. This would take the pressure off the amount of property available.

"It's time for change. This second home syndrome is iniquitous."

Penny McCartney, of Dorchester, who formed an action group to help people struggling to buy a home, said councils should be making moves to provide more affordable housing for first-time buyers.

She said: "Young people want to stay in this area but they are having to move away because the wages are relatively low and the house prices are going through the roof.

"Affordable housing is what is needed, not £160,000 properties at Poundbury."

South Dorset MP Jim Knight said the Government was hoping to implement legislation in the autumn which would lead to second home owners having to pay full Council Tax bills. I strongly encourage it and I would like to see councils retaining that extra money to spend on local services," said Mr Knight.

He added: "Soaring house prices are great for those of us who own property, but it can be a real problem for others, especially in rural areas. Expensive property is a major barrier when businesses, schools and hospitals are trying to attract staff. I am in correspondence with the Government about this matter."

West Dorset Liberal Democrats are also calling for action to allow local people on to the housing ladder.

Spokesman Richard Denton-White said: "We have a lethal cocktail here in Dorset of a low wage economy, with salaries 25 per cent below the national earnings level and housing 12 per cent above the national average. The low interest rates have encouraged incomers to the region to buy up property as second homes and put first homes beyond the reach of many local families.

"Tax discounts for second home owners should be invested as a matter of urgency and local authorities should release council-owned land to self-build groups."

The Lib Dems are organising an open meeting on Dorset Homes Crisis at Puncknowle village hall on Wednesday, June 12, at 7.30pm.