Disinformation is being used to try and derail plans to clamp down on second homes in Gwynedd
Dyfrig Jones
When we hear the term political disinformation, we might be tempted to think of large global events; Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential election, or the spread of Covid-19 conspiracy theories.
But disinformation – false information spread with intent to deceive – is an increasing cause for concern in local politics, both here in Wales as well as further afield.
In Gwynedd, the latest battleground on which disinformation is being used as a weapon is the debate around reforming the planning system to tackle the second homes crisis. Here, campaigners against the proposed reforms are using disinformation to support their arguments – falsely claiming that major mortgage lenders are opposed to the local authority’s plans.
Cyngor Gwynedd are currently consulting residents on proposals to introduce an Article 4 Directive amending planning policy. Under the current system, people in Gwynedd can unilaterally decide to convert their home into a holiday let, or use it as a second home.
Under the proposed new system, homeowners would be required to seek planning permission before making this change. The council has already indicated that it would be unlikely to grant permission in areas where there is an excess of existing holiday lets or second homes.
There will, of course, be differences of opinion about such a change. By the council’s own admission, one of the aims of this proposed policy is to help control property values. There is an affordability crisis across the whole of Gwynedd, but it is particularly pronounced in areas where there is a high concentration of holiday lets and second homes.
Priced out
In Botwnnog, Llanengan and Tudweiliog, over 90% of local residents are priced out of the housing market – while in Abersoch and Aberdaron, this figure climbs to over 96%. Those currently priced out of the market should welcome the change, while those who have benefitted from increased property values may balk at the potential loss of equity.
Yet the debate around the Article 4 Directive has not revolved around this issue of balancing individual wealth against social need. Instead, the group campaigning against the proposed change has argued that passing the Article 4 Directive will make it more difficult for homeowners to secure a mortgage.
On the 6th of September, a full-page advert was published in the Cambrian News, encouraging people to contact Cyngor Gwynedd to object to the proposals.
While the advert contained some honestly-held views, it also asserted that a number of major mortgage lenders “have already confirmed they have issues with Article 4”. The advert goes on to claim that these named lenders – “HSBC, Santander, Barclays, Virgin, Principality, Clydesdale to name a few” – have said that they will “refuse mortgages” should the Article 4 Directive be adopted, because they would no longer consider properties in Gwynedd to be open market properties.
Incendiary
This is an incendiary claim, and one that would have far-reaching implications for householders in Gwynedd. It is also a highly doubtful claim, with no evidence presented to support it. So, in preparing this piece, I contacted all of the lenders named in the advert, to ask them to clarify whether they held the views attributed to them in the Cambrian News advert.
Virgin (which also owns Clydesdale Bank) told me that the claims in the advert are “incorrect”, while Santander responded to say that they did not wish to comment on the matter. Barclays simply asked customers to consult their published guidance on buy-to-let and holiday lets, which makes no reference to the issue of Article 4.
Principality stated their commitment to supporting affordable housing in Wales, and declined to affirm the views attributed to them in the advert. HSBC did not respond to the request for comment.
Whether you agree with the Article 4 Directive or not, the nature of the campaign against it should be a cause for concern. In a democracy, there will be different views expressed about all kinds of issues, but for a democracy to properly function, citizens need to be well informed.
This means being able to trust that the information being presented to us is factually accurate, particularly in trusted sources, such as newspapers. We are all capable of making mistakes, or of letting our biases skew the way that we present information. But when we make false claims in order to whip up support for a cause, we poison the well of public discourse.
Dyfrig Jones is a former member of the Gwynedd planning committee
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There should be repercussions for those responsible for demonstrably false campaign information.
The underhanded tactics of the opposition shows just how deep colonialism is. They cannot abide the thought of not being able to call the shots on their playground. Call them out and expose them. Gwladychwyr.
I don’t think it’s as complicated as that. These moves are driven by pure greed.
It’s sad to say @Dyfrig Jones has spoke out selfishly yet again – is he after reinstatement with the council? If he vaguely understands what a consultation period means (oh he was in planning !!) there will be no final decision from lenders until the A4 is passed !! Those lenders are sitting in the fence until they know more and then it will be too late !! And yet again this isn’t just about mortgages it’s about all people’s present and future and their families futures (that includes all locals)!! Such a blinkered publication of Disinformation you share!!! Shame… Read more »
Do you know what consultation is? It means asking for opinions, for and against. But the Council is not obliged to act on any of it. It’s pretty alarming really. This is huge change for anyone who owns property in Gwynedd, and will come before the effect of the new level of Council Tax for second homes has been tested. I have heard from an estate agent that the market for second homes has collapsed already. As no one in the Council has stood on a platform for making this change it must be seen as undemocratic.
Dyfrig Jones writes as someone who is very much for the policy which is fine however his article is also as bad as the article he is saying is wrong. He writes that the banks have said NOT SAID they will refuse mortgages” should the Article 4 Directive be adopted, because they would no longer consider properties in Gwynedd to be open market properties. HOWEVER they have not said they WILL give mortgages following the change or if they do they will not change the lending criteria such a loan to value because they anticipate a reduction in prices of… Read more »
It just gwynedd council trying to control the people of Wales why shouldn’t people get a the best price for their houses , if theses places were so well nit and wanted to keep the culture why are local people moving so are the councillors trying to stop them
They are moving because they can’t afford to buy a house there. It’s a vicious circle.
There are people who are priced out of the housing market in Gwynedd. I would like to know at what price point they could buy a house, and if there is anywhere in the UK that could support that. Maybe the problem is low pay?
I am a local born and bred in Penrhyndeudraeth in Gwynedd. When I first got on the property ladder, I couldn’t afford the type of property I dreamed of owning in my hometown, so reluctantly moved out of the area to purchase a detached cottage in Garndolbenmaen; still in Gwynedd but affordable. There are a few things at play here. Firstly, years ago, they were a big employers, paying decent wages, allowing locals to get onto the property ladder (Traws power station, Ferodo, ICI exclusive works in Penrhyn, Smith Corona in Port) where has the Council been in enticing big… Read more »