Wealth redistribution and council tax for second properties

Following from the recent article in the Evening standard regarding absent tenants in premium flats: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-24027575-absent-owners-turning-pound-12bn-one-hyde-park-into-mary-celeste.do, I feel that landlords and second property owners should be liable for full council tax. If they can afford second properties, they are affluent enough to pay taxes just like the rest of us. For most British residents, owning property is a pipe-dream unlikely to happen in our lifetimes. So why should the burden of council tax be applied disproportionately for tenants in rented property and second property owners?

If councils get tax from 'part-time stunt' residents as well, then perhaps there will be more money for social housing, libraries, and the entire community which will benefit society and reduce crime. I feel that landlords and second property owners should be liable for full council tax. If they can afford second properties, they are affluent enough to pay taxes just like the rest of us. For most British residents, owning property is a pipe-dream unlikely to happen in our lifetimes. So why should the burden of council tax be applied disproportionately for tenants in rented property and second property owners?

Wealth redistribution must start somewhere and this seems as good a spot as any. No time like the present to change the world!