Janet Finch-Saunders MS has taken the Welsh Government to task on empty housing stock in North Wales.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament has today questioned the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, on the amount of empty housing stock on public authority-owned land. This followed her understanding that there may be as many as 750 units of accommodation owned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board across the region not in use.
During 2021-22, 1,126 people contacted Gwynedd Council because they were homeless: 50% more than 2018-19.
Around 2,000 are on the list for social housing in Conwy County.
In Wrexham, the number of individuals classed as homeless has more than doubled to 2,238 from 2019-20 to 2021-22.
Speaking today in the chamber, Janet said:
“Across North Wales we have a severe shortage of accommodation.
“Despite people being desperate for homes, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have as many as 750 units of accommodation not in use.
“I know from liaising with a Housing Association that the Health Board has been considering procurement for a long time.
“It is completely unacceptable that the Health Board has potentially hundreds of empty homes at a time when the number of residents living in temporary accommodation is rocketing.
“I am pleased that the Deputy Minister has agreed with me that I raise a valid concern, and now wait to see if he can get the Welsh Government machine to cooperate with the Health Board and see those empty homes used”.
