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Second homes consultation ‘belittling Wales’ communities’ say language campaigners

26 Aug 2021 4 minute read
Picture by Cymdeithas yr Iaith

Language campaigners have accused the Welsh Government of “belittling Wales’ communities” in its new consultation on local taxes for second homes and self-catering accommodation.

According to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the consultation launched yesterday is too open ended and does not set out any “clear, decisive and radical steps” that people could respond to.

The language group has called on the Welsh Government to place a cap on the number of second and holiday homes in any community, as part of “introducing a radical package of measures as a matter of urgency”.

They also expressed concerns about the consultation foreword, which states: “Although not a pan-Wales issue, the numbers of second homes and holiday lets have provoked strong feelings in parts of Wales.”

The consultation considers “possible changes to local taxes to support local authorities in managing the impact of second homes and self-catered accommodation in their areas.” It runs until 17 November.

Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Sustainable Communities Group, Elin Hywel, said the consultation itself was an attempt to “downplay the effects of the housing crisis across Wales”.

“Rather than being a topic of debate and discussion, the housing crisis is a real threat to the ability of thousands of Welsh citizens to set up home,” she said.

“There is a feeling that the Government is continuing to take the effects of the crisis lightly. This consultation document is merely seeking views on open-ended questions, rather than outlining the clear, decisive and radical steps needed.

“In its patronising claim that the crisis is ‘provoking strong feelings’, the Government’s consultation document belittles Wales’ communities by downplaying the seriousness of the crisis.

“Ordinary people across Wales are feeling increasingly desperate and are begging their Government to protect them from the effects of the open market that is ruining their communities and their chances of getting a home.

“The housing crisis is not an abstract issue, but is rather an injustice that has a direct impact on all aspects of daily life.”

‘Cap’

The Welsh Government announced last month that it would consult and develop a pilot in order to tackle the effects of high house prices on communities and the Welsh language.

The Welsh Government’s three-pronged approach will focus on:

  • Support addressing the affordability and availability of housing;
  • The introduction of a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation;
  • Using national and local taxation systems to ensure second home owners make a fair and effective contribution to the communities in which they buy.

The consultation was announced before hundreds turned out to a rally at the Tryweryn dam to call on the Welsh Government to take action on high house prices and second homes.

Language campaigners have now organised a second rally, this time on the steps of the Senedd on 13 November.

Elin Hywel said that the government needed to introduce a radical package of measures as a matter of urgency.

“As well as implementing these consultative proposals, the Government should cap the number of second and holiday homes in any community, regulate AirBnB and introduce new taxes on tourism, landlords’ profits, and second homes, investing the money in bringing empty homes and second homes back into use by local people,” she said.

“We are also calling for a Property Act that will give community control of the housing market and planning process, a change in the definition of affordable housing, for controls to be introduced on house and rent prices, and for local people to be given priority in the market.

“We have the answers, what is needed is political will. I would urge anyone who agrees to join us on the steps of the Senedd on 13 November to send a clear message to the Government: ‘Wales is not for Sale.’”


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Quornby
Quornby
2 years ago

Wales is the only nation on earth where the government is paralysed by fear of the reactionary press in another country. Get off your knees!

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago

Much as I agree with the views and frustrations of Cymdeithas I suggest that we get on with this consultation, make sure heels aren’t dragged, get some action, and move on to the next page of problems impacting our blighted areas. There are several pages to be tackled before we are remotely near a satisfactory outcome but adopting a stance of do nothing until it’s all up for discussion will only delay any positive movement.

Assimilation and /or eradication are too much of an imminent threat, so let’s start striking back by taking bites out the problems.

Kerry Davies
Kerry Davies
2 years ago

Since law is governed by Westminster I can’t see what “clear, decisive and radical steps” Wales can take before independence. The issue is not as simple as some think. Example; Is George North, born in Kings Lynn, Welsh enough to buy a home in Wales without sanction?

Defining who should and should not pay extra could lead us into all the problems that Grannygate gave Graham Henry. I have bought 5 properties in my life and every time was a “first-time buyer” so those buying “second homes” can get round definitions easily enough. I did and wasn’t even trying.

Llewelyn
Llewelyn
2 years ago

What about some of the hypocritical amongst us Welsh, who buy a second home or even third home?

There’s plenty of welsh with second homes here on the llyn.

R W
R W
2 years ago
Reply to  Llewelyn

It doesn’t matter where the second home owners come from. The issue is more to do with the fact that there are simply too many holiday homes in many villages. Some villages (eg Abersoch) have so many holiday homes these days that they have turned into glorified – if very expensive – holiday camps by now.

Jay Sata
Jay Sata
2 years ago

I see Carol vorderman has a much publicised holiday home in Pembrokeshire

hdavies15
hdavies15
2 years ago
Reply to  Jay Sata

Self publicist with a big ego, that second home must have huge head room !

Steve Duggan
Steve Duggan
2 years ago

I agree with the article. The population knows the consequences – it is ruining communities and destroying our children’s future, it has to stop. Forget this consultation – it’s a waste of time.

Mr Williams
Mr Williams
2 years ago

I hope the consultation also looks at the discrimination against young people in the housing sector, a problem which is vastly overlooked. For example, homes in Conwy county are priced out of reach of young people now. There are a few homes for sale at under 100k in Colwyn Bay but these are reserved for the over 55s. Very unfair! If it was the other way round there would be screams of discrimination.

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