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Llangollen's second home issue raised in Senedd

The issue of second homes and self-catering accommodation in Llangollen has been raised in the Senedd by local Member Ken Skates. 

Responding to concerns raised by his constituents in the town, Mr Skates tabled a question to Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans, on Wednesday (July 29). 

On May 24, the Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government has legislated to increase the number of days within any 12-month period that a self-catering property is required to be made available to let from 140 to 252 days, and actually let from 70 to 182 days. 

Councils will also be given powers to charge a second home premium of up to 300% from April 2023. 

In the Senedd, Mr Skates asked: “What impact will changing the classification of self-catering properties for tax purposes have on residents in communities with increasing amounts of self-catering accommodation?” 

The Minister responded: “Our changes, which form part of our three-pronged approach, will help strike the right balance between capacity within the self-catering tourism sector, and the economic benefits that brings, and supporting viable communities of local residents.” 

Referencing Llangollen, Clwyd South MS Mr Skates went on to say: “This is really good to hear, because I’m sure you would agree that tourism is vitally important to the Welsh economy. But, of course, with the rapid rise in self-catering units, there is a risk that some towns and villages will cater more to visitors than to residents. 

“This is something that’s been raised with me by concerned residents in Llangollen on numerous occasions, when parts of the town – as many as one in five properties – are now advertised as Airbnb self-catering units. 

"Would you agree that we have to ensure that towns and villages across Wales are alive and active 12 months of the year, and can you guarantee that the measures that you have outlined will lead to a careful balance between our interest in driving the visitor economy and the need to ensure that towns and villages are living towns and villages?”

The Minister told the Senedd: “Absolutely. This strand of our policy, in terms of addressing the impact that large numbers of second homes and holiday lets can have on some communities in Wales, is about doing exactly that which Ken Skates has described. That’s creating sustainable communities where people can live year-round and where, in winter, you don’t go into those villages and find that the lights are off in the majority of those properties. 

“We know that in Newport, Pembrokeshire, for example, or in Abersoch, 40% of properties there are second homes and holiday lets, and that’s just not a balanced community. We absolutely recognise the importance of tourism, but I think that we also need to recognise that sustainable communities are important, and giving those opportunities to people to live in the communities within which they grew up and where they want to work and make a life for themselves.” 

Backgound

·     * On March 2, the Minister for Finance and Local Government announced the next steps being taken following the Welsh Government’s consultation on local taxes for second homes and self-catering accommodation. The steps form part of the Welsh Government’s plans to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to the communities where they have homes or run businesses. This work, in turn, is part of the Welsh Government’s three-pronged approach to addressing the impact that large numbers of second homes and holiday lets can have on communities and the Welsh language.

* The Welsh Government said views conveyed in the consultation, including those from the wider tourism industry, clearly supported a change to the criteria for self-catering accommodation to be classified as non-domestic. Respondents were of the view that the majority of genuine holiday accommodation businesses would be able to satisfy increased letting thresholds, and a wide range of possible alternatives were suggested. 

·     *  Following the consultation, the Welsh Government is of the view that properties let out as self-catering accommodation should be classed as non-domestic only if they are being used for business purposes for the majority of the year. 

·       *  On May 24, the Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government has legislated to increase the number of days within any 12-month period that a self-catering property is required to be made available to let from 140 to 252 days, and actually let from 70 to 182 days.* 

·       * The legislation came into force on June 14 and will have practical effect from April 1, 2023. Property owners intending to meet the amended criteria should aim to do so during the 2022-23 operating year, but compliance with the criteria will not be assessed until April. 

·        * The Welsh Government recognises that the stronger criteria may be challenging for some operators to meet. The purpose of the change is to help ensure property owners are making a fair contribution to local communities, for example by increasing their contribution to the local economy through greater letting activity or by paying council tax on their properties. The Welsh Government’s policy priority is to support sustainable communities and affordable housing, as set out in its three-pronged approach. 

·       * The Welsh Government recognises that some self-catering properties are restricted by planning conditions preventing permanent occupation as someone’s main residence. Separate regulations provide for an exception from a council tax premium for properties restricted by one type of planning condition. The Welsh Government is exploring whether further amendments are necessary in advance of the changes taking practical effect. 

·        * The Welsh Government will also be issuing revised guidance to local authorities on additional options that are available in the event that self-catering properties restricted by planning conditions do not meet the letting criteria.

 

Sir Bryn and First Minister send 75th birthday greetings to Eisteddfod

 

* Sir Bryn Terfel.

Opera star Sir Bryn Terfel and First Minister Mark Drakeford are leading a chorus of congratulation for an iconic festival that’s celebrating its 75^th anniversary.

Also among those who’ve sent their best wishes to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is the popular singer and TV presenter, Aled Jones, who will be performing at this year’s event.

After a Covid-enforced absence, competitors are returning to Llangollen just in time to mark the momentous milestone.

The festival was established in 1947 under the dark shadow cast by the Second World War as a way of promoting peace through musical harmony and dance.

Since then hundreds of thousands of competitors from all over the world have beaten a path to the picturesque Dee Valley town where Wales meets the world.

The pandemic put a temporary halt to the festival as a physical event and it took on a virtual format last year, with performances streamed online.

But preparations are well under way for this year’s comeback Eisteddfod, which starts on Thursday, July 7 and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the eisteddfod will join forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Over the years the festival has helped launch the careers of global stars like Luciano Pavarotti.

After competing on the famous pavilion stage as an up and coming young base baritone from Pantglas in Gwynedd, Sir Bryn went on to forge a stellar career as one of the world’s greatest opera singers.

In a specially recorded video message, Sir Bryn said: “I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as it celebrates its 75^th anniversary.

“I have great memories of Llangollen  as a young emerging artiste competing there and the returning to perform in the evening concerts – always truly inspired in the thoughts one was following in the footsteps of truly great artistes.

“I myself returned to the pavilion for performances of Tosca by Puccini and Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim.

“A truly unique event that is lauded as an international treasure – the people, the stage, the audiences, even all those beautiful flowers at the front of the stage making such a truly memorable and unique experience.

“Llongyfarchiadau enfawr i chi i gyd yn Llangollen a chariwch ymlaen (Congratulations to you all in Llangollen and carry on).

First Minister Mark Drakeford is also a big fan of the event and what it stands for.

In his video, he said: “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is truly an icon of the Welsh cultural landscape, and it’s particularly exciting to be able to welcome in person attendees back to the event and back to Wales this year.

“So many of us have memories of attending the international eisteddfod in its beautiful North Wales location at different points in our own lives.

“Even those who have yet to visit will be aware of the wealth of inspiring images that emerge from the event each summer as Llangollen plays host to cultural guests from right around the globe.

“Many of these overseas performers are visiting Wales for the first time and we know how struck they are by the warmth of the welcome with which they are received. 

“As relevant today as when it was first established in the aftermath of the Second World War, the overriding message of the International Eisteddfod is of international harmony and cooperation and it gives us that annual opportunity to reflect upon these vital priorities.

“And more than anything Llangollen gives us a practical demonstration of how effectively a shared cultural experience can contribute to these goals of international cooperation. Long may that continue.

“Finally let me add my personal thanks and note of appreciation for all those achievements of the last 75 years.

“I wish everyone involved the very best of luck for this year’s event and for Llangollen’s very special anniversary celebration.”  

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates is a long-standing supporter of the Eisteddfod.

He said: “This is the first time since 2019 that the event is going to be taking place physically because of the pandemic and my goodness me the International Eisteddfod is just as relevant today as it ever was.

“Today with what’s happening around the globe but particularly in Ukraine it makes the International Eisteddfod just so important and just as relevant as back in 1947.

 “So the Eisteddfod has been assisted over the years by many individuals and many organisations including the Welsh Government who have supported it financially through some difficult and challenging times.

“And the Llangollen Eisteddfod located in the magnificent Dee Valley in the beautiful town of Llangollen is always welcoming to people from around the world and I know this year will be as welcoming as ever, diolch.” 

During the four-day event, there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is a half-sister to singer Norah Jones.

In his video message, Aled said: “Just want to say a huge congratulations to Llangollen on their 75^th anniversary. I am so proud to part of the amazing event this year. Llongyfarchiadau (Congratulations”.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Classic transport weekend is back at railway after three years

Over 300 vintage and classic cars, buses and other vehicles will herald the return of a much-loved event to Glyndyfrdwy Station on the Llangollen Railway this weekend.

Classic Transport Weekend last took place pre-pandemic in 2019 and in returns in fine style for 2022 with a record number of vehicles in attendance.

A busy timetable of steam, diesel and railcar trains will operate on the railway, centred around the village station of Glyndyfrdwy, where a vintage vehicle rally is held in a large field right next to the station. 

With trains currently running to Carrog and the new station at Corwen not-quite ready to receive trains, a free vintage bus service will operate between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy to allow visitors to visit the rally from the western end of the Dee Valley.

The event has been organised by two of the railway’s younger volunteers, Tim Hines and George Walker, who are both under 30 years old. 

Tim said: "Taking on an event like this has been a real challenge for us. We have worked closely with Matt Davies, who conceived and ran the event between 2011 and 2019. Matt has been a huge help and very happy to pass his knowledge on to us. 

"After a three-year break due to the pandemic we have had an overwhelming response,  with over 300 vehicles booked to attend the rally at Glyndyfrdwy across the weekend. This will make it our biggest Classic Transport Weekend yet.

"We have trialled online vehicle entries this year, which hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has made the process easier from an administration point of view. Both George and I are really looking forward to the weekend after all the planning that has gone into it and we hope that everyone attending has a great day out - both on the railway and at the rally."

Glyndyfrdwy stationmaster Paul Bailey added: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to our station again, which has been completely rebuilt by volunteers since it first reopened in 1991. 

"Our tearoom and station bar will be open all weekend for exhibitors and visitors. It’s a great opportunity to see our country station at its busiest, with a wonderful parade of classic cars and buses making their away across the traditional, gated level crossing between the station and signal box.

"Last month we repainted quite a lot of our station furniture in jubilee purple which will be on display for the last time this weekend before we restore them to their original colours."

* Tickets for the event are available in advance from the railway’s website or on the day from station ticket offices. An event flyer and a couple of photos of previous events are attached for your information.

 

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in about a week's time.

Calls for UK Government to back Ruabon station lifts

* Ken with Cllr Dana Davies and former Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones at Ruabon station.

Community leaders have called on the UK Government to finally back the long-running campaign for lifts at Ruabon Station. 

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates was notified this week that Network Rail will nominate the Ruabon project for the next round of the UK Government’s Access for All programme, and was quick to declare his support. 

But the final say will come down to the UK Government, which has already stopped the project in its tracks twice by refusing to match the Welsh Government’s capital investment. 

The local MS and Ruabon councillor Dana Davies have worked alongside the Friends of Ruabon to campaign for improved access at the station.

The Welsh Government wants lifts installed to help people with mobility issues, families with young children and commuters carrying heavy luggage move between platforms, but the UK Government had twice refused to contribute to the costs even though the work comes under Westminster’s remit. 

Welsh Ministers have asked the UK Department for Transport to urgently prioritise work at Ruabon – with First Minister Mark Drakeford a keen supporter of the plans.

 

Clwyd South MS Mr Skates said: “It has been well documented that the Welsh Labour Government has twice before put money on the table for this long-awaited work to go ahead, even though it’s not a devolved area, and I know the Friends of Ruabon – and many other local people – have been extremely frustrated by the slow progress and false dawns.

 

“I have submitted a letter of support to Network Rail and I’m 100% behind this. The Friends of Ruabon and local campaigners can’t do any more, and the Welsh Government can’t do any more. The First Minister has even asked the UK Department for Transport to prioritise this work. We’ve done all we can – now it’s over the UK Government.”

 

Cllr Davies said: “Some years ago when the Welsh Government first committed to funding half of the project, we celebrated – we thought it was a done deal! We didn’t think there was any way the UK Government would refuse to fund half the cost of such an important project, particularly one it should be paying for in full.”

 

While transport is devolved to Wales, responsibility for track, station infrastructure and signalling remains with the UK Government. Over the past 20 years, Wales has received less than 2% of the £100bn+ that that UK Government has spent on rail enhancement – despite having 5% of the population and 11% of the track miles.

 

In 2017, former Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the Friends of Ruabon calling for action from the UK Government. And in an attempt to incentivise the UK Government to invest in Welsh stations, including Ruabon, the Welsh Government had offered to match-fund vital upgrades. But the UK Government had twice decided against funding for Ruabon, most recently in February 2020.

A factual briefing requested by Mr Skates from the Welsh Government stated: “Welsh Government, following detailed discussions with the rail industry on investment priorities, has twice submitted Ruabon Station as a priority nomination for UK Government investment in step-free access under the non-devolved Access for All programme. 

“The first was a request for a new replacement bridge with lifts, the second for a reduced cost alternative whereby lifts could be fitted to the existing structure. On both occasions, the strong case made for Ruabon was not accepted by the UK Government.”

New round of Loneliness and Social Isolation Grants announced

 

Denbighshire Council for Voluntary Service in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government has announced a new round of the Loneliness and Social Isolation Grant. Loneliness and social isolation can be experienced by anyone of any age and any background.  It is required that the funding awarded is used to meet one or more of the following criteria: Increasing opportunities for people to connect  A community infrastructure that supports connected communities Cohesive and supportive communities Building awareness and promoting positive attitudes Mental health Grants for individual projects are available for the financial years of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 for up to £5,000 per year. You can apply for one or two years of funding. To apply for this grant please view the Grant Application Form Here. Once you have accessed the document please click File in the top left corner and download to get your modifiable version.   Information for Applicants:  Please use the DVSC Application Form  Grants for individual projects are for up to £5,000 per financial year  The grants are a rolling programme and funds are limited  For more information, please contact 01824 702 441 or email office@dvsc.co.uk