Madam,

Re 50 per cent extra council tax on second homes, and empty properties.

I note Gwynedd Council stated it is their intention to use a “percentage” of the additional revenues raised through this policy to fund local affordable housing, I’m bound to ask why a percentage, surely these extra funds raised should be going 100 per cent to fund affordable housing.

It is also the case that the council, I believe, has the power to take over properties that have been empty for long periods of time. I personally know of many such properties.

One in particular that comes to mind in Bryncrug has remained empty for around 20 years. It would make a lovely home for someone, so why does it remain empty?

So come on Gwynedd, let’s hear from you, and use the powers you already have first and foremost, and then make a commitment to our young people to use all of the additional revenue raised to fund affordable housing for them, and give them a future here.

Yours etc,

Eric Richards, Rhos Dyfi, Aberdyfi.

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