'Wales' disappointing second home rules can't help us look for a home where we live'

Welsh Government intends to tackle the 2nd home crisis crippling areas of Wales have been described as 'weak' and 'disappointing'.

Welsh Government minister Julie James gave additional information to Members of the Senedd about her department's intends to reduce second homes in Wales. Read more about the plans here

She said existing housing programmes will be reviewed and over summer time a trial presented.

A statutory registration scheme for all overnight accommodation, including short-term lets will be setup and Welsh Government says it'll consider the way it can alter the planning system. The plan is also to check out how there can be “a fairer contribution” from second home and holiday property owners “so that national and local taxation systems ensure that vacation home owners create a fair and effective contribution towards the communities by which they're buying,” said Mrs James.

A pilot area is going to be setup within the summer to check the statutory registration scheme and a consultation setup over changes to local taxes. A draft Welsh language communities housing plan goes out for consultation in the autumn.

Sion Roberts, 34, who lives just outside Pwllheli together with his wife Sarah, 33, and their three-year-old daughter. They're coping with his family while attempting to conserve for a house that they said is “proving to be almost an impossible task”.

He said he had been eagerly awaiting the Welsh Government announcement but was left feeling “let down”.

“It's really disappointing. They have talked about trials and pilots quite frustrating, the data is there and we know what the issues are so I don't understand what the delay is perfect for. A council knows their council tax levels and percentage of holiday homes.”

He cited Northumberland council as an area in which a cap on the number of second homes was being introduced.

“Why can't they immediately do this?” he explained.

“They can't do it overnight, but I would like them to get the ball rolling now. We all know the problem.”

In the Senedd debate after the announcement, Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders said the government couldn't “tax its way out of the problem”.

“Local authorities possess the right to charge a nearby tax premium of up to 100% on second homes.

“Local authorities have been extremely reluctant to increase premiums, there are justifiable causes of this. There's this complete underacknowledgement from the benefits that a lot of our holiday homes, our second homes, bring about our local economies. Certainly in Aberconwy, they offer jobs, they offer support for the economy, and i am totally against these high premiums.

“So, will you explain why you think using further national and local taxation systems is going to be good at combating the impact of second homes? We all want more detail as to what taxation measures you are interested in, but I don't think this is an issue you can just tax the right path from.”

Plaid Cymru's Mabon ap Gwynfor said the measures were “weak” and changes must be made now.

“The the years have come to take considered steps in favour in our communities and people people who have elected us. You're going to get our support to take action. Some of our communities have been lost yet others are on their knees. I urge you to take action. We do not need to consider the potential or conduct further pilots.

“House prices are shooting up before our very eyes, and young people are having to depart their communities or live in second-class accommodation. If you don't do something to do this now, then we will see more communities lost, people these days moving from their communities. We've virtually no time down the sink.”