Cyngor Gwynedd's Housing Action Plan helps thousands gain access to affordable housing

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing Action Plan is gaining momentum, with thousands of people already benefiting from new homes, practical support and financial assistance to help them live locally.

The purpose of the Plan is to provide affordable, quality homes for the people of Gwynedd to tackle the housing shortage in the county. Since its launch in 2021, almost 9000 people have seen the Plan’s positive impact on their housing situation, through tenancies, loans, grants and advice, with the figure increasing every day. To date, 800 units have been built, developed or brought back into use with almost £70 million invested – including £10.5 million from the Council Tax Premium.

Among the 33 projects included is the Tŷ Gwynedd housing development programme, which will provide 90 affordable, adaptable, sustainable and energy-efficient homes throughout the county, with work having started on site in Llanberis and Bangor, planning permission having been received in Morfa Nefyn and work underway in Mynytho and Llanystumdwy.

Work is also ongoing to develop supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, with several developments now completed. Homelessness continues to be a real threat to many people in Gwynedd, and this project aims to develop over 83 purpose-built units to support those in need.

Another key part of the Housing Action Plan is the plans to bring empty houses back into use. 259 empty houses are now homes for local people because of grants and support from the empty houses team, including 97 houses where their owners have received grants to renovate the house to an acceptable standard of living.

The Council also supports housing associations to build social housing using the Welsh Government's Social Housing Grant scheme. To date, over 350 social homes have been built, with a further 361 in the pipeline. With over 4300 people still on the waiting list for social housing in Gwynedd, these new houses will ensure that more people can have access to high quality affordable homes.

Councillor Paul Rowlinson, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing and Property Cabinet Member, said:

“The right to a home is a fundamental right, but we continue to face a serious housing crisis here in Gwynedd, as in other counties. As we look forward to the next few years of the Housing Action Plan, our aim remains clear - to ensure that local people can access suitable, affordable and quality housing in their community.

“The plan has been in place for 4 years now, and we have reached significant milestones. We will continue to work closely with our key partners including the Welsh Government and the housing associations. I would like to thank them for their support throughout the journey, and to everyone who works hard to ensure the success of the projects."

Notes:

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet in December 2020 and has been active since April 2021. It includes 33 projects to create almost 1,500 units to ensure that the people of Gwynedd have a suitable, affordable and high quality home.

In order to achieve this goal, there are 5 objectives that have been included in the Plan, namely:

• Ensuring that no one is homeless in Gwynedd
• Increasing the opportunities for Gwynedd residents to obtain a tenancy in a social house
• Helping Gwynedd residents to own a home in their community
• Gwynedd housing is environmentally friendly
• Gwynedd housing has a positive influence on the health and well-being of the county’s residents

More information about Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing Action Plan: Microsoft Word - Atodiad CGT 26.11.20SAES.docx