In recognition of the severe economic circumstances of certain longtime owner-occupants of residences who are faced with rising living costs and constantly increasing tax burdens in areas where real property values have risen markedly as a consequence of the renovation of other deteriorating residences or the construction of new residences, the General Assembly, pursuant to section 2(b)(v) of Article VIII of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, considers it to be a matter of sound public policy for counties of the first and second class to adopt uniform special real property tax relief provisions in order to allow longtime owner-occupants of residences to remain in peaceful possession of their homes.