The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy and Welsh Conservative spokesperson for housing policy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS – has used her response to the Welsh Government’s Affordability, Second Homes and the Welsh Language statement to call collaboration with sector officials to implement sustainable solutions such as Right to Buy.
Janet made clear that the policy would help to secure reinvestment of sale proceeds in the wards most significantly impacted by second homes, creating homes for local residents. She also used her speech to speak out against the 'trial by media' of the sector, highlighting the economic benefits that holiday let providers bring to her constituency of Aberconwy.
Commenting after her contribution, Janet said:
“The Brooks Report found that second homes remain a regional and local problem, meaning that blanket national policies against such housing may have an adverse impact on those communities unaffected by their presence and, by extension, the Welsh Language.
“That is not to say that Welsh Government cannot look to introduce policies to remove the aspiration cap and increase home ownership. In fact, the need for a holistic strategy to tackle the housing crisis has never been clearer. It is one of the greatest barriers to social wellbeing, and we know that it is hurting working people the most in Wales.
“Around 7,400 are needed annually to meet demand in Wales, though in 2019 registrations of new homes were down 12% on the previous year. This is why our Right-to-Buy solution would be of huge benefit to areas like Abersoch and Aberdaron which have an income to house price affordability ratio of 10.7:1.
“By reinvesting sale proceeds into more social housing and protecting homes from sale for 10 years, we can use market demand to address the present crisis. This would be far beneficial than over any mistaken foray into a taxation and further regulation, with the Brooks report finding our holiday let industry has real economic benefits for communities.
“I urge the Minister to collaborate with our tenants, private sector landlords, housing associations, and holiday let providers to find a long-term and sustainable solution. To continue with the trial by media of the sector, encouraged by Ministers providing statements to the press rather than the Senedd, would be a very great mistake.
“Despite meeting with the Minister on two separate occasions about this issue, the Welsh Government again chose to provide announcements to the press before the Senedd. If cross-party working is going to be achieved to address this issue, the respect of the Senedd must be reserved."
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
