CYNGOR Gwynedd’s Cabinet has approved an extension to the Housing Action Plan for another two years, developing 450 additional units for local residents. This brings the target to over 2,000 homes by 2029, with £190 million invested and over 17,000 people receiving support over the lifetime of the scheme.
The aim of the scheme, which was launched in April 2021, is to tackle the housing shortage in the county and ensure that local people have access to quality, affordable homes in their own communities.
The extension follows changes to the housing situation, the needs of the people of Gwynedd and financial sources over recent years. As a result, the Council has identified new opportunities to expand projects and support even more residents to find a home.
Key projects in the Housing Action Plan include building more affordable housing, buying properties to let to local people, bringing empty houses back into use, and developing supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
To date, the scheme has supported almost 9000 people and provided 800 more units. It’s partly funded by the Council Tax Premium on Second Homes and Empty Houses, with over £10.5 million invested since 2021.
Councillor Paul Rowlinson, Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Housing and Property said: “The Housing Action Plan outlines our commitment to provide high quality affordable homes for the people of Gwynedd. I welcome the fact that, by extending the Plan, we can now provide 450 additional homes for local residents.
“We fully recognise the challenges facing the people of the county – including an ongoing housing crisis in Gwynedd, as in other counties, and the cost of living which has skyrocketed over the last few years. In order to address these challenges, the Housing Plan continues to be a dynamic, evolving strategy.
“We have set clear priorities, such as increasing the supply of homes for local people, tackling homelessness and helping the people of the county get to grips with the cost-of-living crisis and fuel poverty.
“Safe, stable and affordable housing is the foundation for healthy and happy lives. Our aim is to ensure that the residents of Gwynedd have access to homes that are truly affordable, in their local area – and our Housing Action Plan is the guide to make this a reality.”
Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd said: “I see the impact of the housing crisis on a daily basis in Gwynedd, with families in emergency accommodation, young people unable to afford their first home and people waiting far too long for social housing in their communities. Tackling the crisis requires firm and effective action in Westminster, the Welsh Government and at local level.
“The Council has worked hard over the past few years to try to meet the need for affordable homes in the county, and this updated Plan is a significant step forward.
“It includes bringing empty houses back into use, buying properties to let to local people, and providing a variety of support to households experiencing homelessness, with many of these projects already yielding results.
“I’m also extremely proud that we’re going to invest in the Council’s smallholding estate, which offers homes to almost 40 families in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd – helping to support our rural communities, our economy and our culture.”
