More than 5,000 homes in Rhondda Cynon Taff are lying empty, according to information obtained by Plaid Cymru.
The shocking waste has been highlighted by Plaid’s Rhondda candidate Sêra Evans-Fear, who has made reducing empty properties one of the key themes of her campaign.
Sera Evans-Fear said: “Boarded up properties are not only an eye-sore for communities, but also deprive people on the housing waiting list of a home. The longer these properties are left to rot, the greater the repair bill. It is imperative that urgent action action is taken to address this issue.”
As a Rhondda-born, Rhondda-bred candidate, I have seen first hand how many empty homes there are in the Rhondda and whilst canvassing over the past few months I have seen that it is a problem which affects all areas of the Rhondda. The figures are shocking and emphasise how important it is to tackle this issue. If I am elected as AM for the Rhondda on 5th May, tackling the problem of empty homes will be one of my top priorities.”
Plaid’s Chris Franks, who is seeking re-election in the South Wales Central regional seat said:
“I raised this issue with the Housing Minister Plaid’s Jocelyn Davies earlier this year. While we have made a great deal of progress on housing in the last four years, it is only through voting Plaid twice can we ensure we have as many Assembly Members as possible to make progress on this important issue in Rhondda Cynon Taf and indeed across the whole of Wales.
“ Plaid will bring empty properties back into use and despite budget cuts, we will create at least 6,500 new affordable homes in Wales over the next Assembly term, tapping into new sources of finance.
Plaid’s manifesto highlights the importance of the health and well-being being improved by providing people with affordable, safe and good quality homes.
Its Assembly election manifesto says: “Four years ago, Plaid in Government promised to create 6,500 low-cost homes in Wales. We exceeded that target – but we need to do more.
“Being able to buy or rent a warm, affordable home is one of the most important components of a decent standard of living. Where we live can have a huge impact on the opportunities we face and our quality of life. Raising the standard of housing can improve the health of our citizens, reduce energy bills, boost the local economy, and make a significant contribution to cutting carbon emissions.
“We will bring empty properties back into use through a balance of incentives and disincentives, including allowing local authorities to charge up to 200% council tax on second homes and empty properties and introducing repayable grants to finance their redevelopment.”
