The three-pronged approach will focus on:

  • support – addressing affordability and availability of housing,
  • regulatory framework and system – covering planning law and the introduction of a statutory registration scheme for holiday accommodation; and
  • a fairer contribution – using national and local taxation systems to ensure second home owners make a fair and effective contribution to the communities in which they buy.

There will also be a pilot area in Wales, to be decided over the summer, where these new measures will be trialled and evaluated before being considered for wider rollout.

Other supporting actions, including the work on a registration scheme for all holiday accommodation and a consultation on changes to local taxes to manage the impact of second homes and self-catered accommodation, will also begin over the summer.

Over the summer Welsh Government will work to:

  • Work with stakeholders to agree the basis and location or locations for an evaluated pilot;
  • Develop a coherent and effective support package to trial within the pilot;
  • Frame a statutory registration scheme for all tourist accommodation and continue to engage with stakeholders on the shape of the model we will implement, including both the registration and inspection arrangements;
  • Consult on possible changes to local taxes to support local authorities manage the impact of second homes and self-catered accommodation; and
  • Establish a draft Welsh Language Communities Housing Plan for consultation in the autumn.

https://gov.wales/welsh-government-announces-three-pronged-approach-address-second-homes-crisis

About Eirlys Jones

Eirlys is the Commercial Director at North Wales Tourism and can be contacted at eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn you can also follow her on Twitter @EirlysJones5