New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood outside a luxury skyscraper in Manhattan for a video on Tax Day to deliver on his trademark plan: “We’re taxing the rich.”

Beadnell, a village on the Northumberland coast, was among the first in the UK to implement a ban on new homes being used as second homes or holiday lets, aiming to revitalize local communities. Nearly eight years after the introduction of the policy, the number of permanent residents has increased, bringing new social life, clubs, and community activities. Despite this, some challenges remain, including unsold properties, occasional misuse of residency rules, and the limited scope of the policy, which only applies to new developments. Other villages in the region have adopted similar measures, while politicians like Tim Farron advocate for planning law reforms to further restrict holiday lets and second homes to preserve community cohesion. While supporters argue the policy helps maintain village life and support affordable housing, critics caution that tourism is essential for local economies, with holidaymakers contributing significantly to businesses such as pubs, restaurants, and shops. Authorities continue to explore ways to balance permanent residency, tourism, and affordable housing needs to ensure the sustainability of rural communities.