Editor

I would like to thank recent correspondents in your letters page for highlighting the fact that second-home owners are not ‘exploiting a legal loophole’ in the system, and that it is in fact the HMRC regulations drawn up 250 miles away in London that allow people who can afford a second home to opt out of paying the tax everyone else has to pay.

I also wish to dispel the ‘No work in Gwynedd’ myth. Fortunately for us here in Gwynedd not only do we have the beautiful scenery that is so popular with second-home owners, we also have myriad employment opportunities.

They include jobs in the tourist sector, farming, the construction and maintenance sector, primary secondary and tertiary education, health, local government, third sector, technology, and small and medium-sized private business. All of which report a difficulty in recruiting local people.

Our houses though are now so expensive that 60 per cent of Gwynedd’s residents cannot afford to buy any house in the county. So, the reason why local people are unable to access their own housing stock is little to do with ‘lack of employment opportunities’ and everything to do with how much those houses cost.

Unfortunately incorrect facts do little to assist in this public debate regarding Gwynedd houses. As Gwynedd’s Cabinet leader for housing, the authority that holds much of the data regarding housing in Gwynedd, I can categorically deny that 70 per cent of second homes in our county are owned by Gwynedd residents. This is factually incorrect.

Whilst tourism and secondhomes are related, wanting everyone to have a first home before a few fortunate individuals own a second house does not mean that you hate tourism. It does not even mean you hate second homes! As an elected politician, I am fully aware of the economic benefits tourism brings. It is a vibrant sector, one which needs to ensure that local communities are at the heart of it, ensuring its long-term sustainability on every level.

I make no apologies for raising the issue of Gwynedd houses, at a time when we are dealing within a pandemic. Covid-19 has forced a spotlight on many issues, and homes for local people is of paramount importance to me and my party, Plaid Cymru. The lack of affordable homes for local people is now so serious that this no longer just about houses, this is really about our children’s future.

I continue to welcome a public debate and thank every individual for your opinions and input.

Cllr Craig ab Iago Plaid Cymru / housing Cabinet member, Gwynedd Council

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