Gwynedd Homebuy scheme boosts local housing market
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North Wales Chronicle
10 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Gwynedd home buying scheme helping people to get houses
Cyngor Gwynedd's 'Homebuy' scheme helps local people who would otherwise be unable to afford a home in their own communities. The equity-sharing initiative provides support to eligible applicants. The Gwynedd Homebuy Scheme was launched in 2022, created by Cyngor Gwynedd it works in partnership with Tai Teg and the Welsh Government. So far, it has helped 62 households purchase a home and through a collaboration with the Dwyfor Second Homes and Affordability Pilot, the maximum property value eligible for purchase has recently increased. The Dwyfor pilot is a Welsh Government initiative testing new policies addressing the impact of second homes, and aims it to improve housing affordability in the Dwyfor area of Gwynedd. In exceptional cases, properties worth up to £350,000 can now be considered— an increase of £50,000 from the previous threshold of £300,000. The main features of the scheme are that eligible buyers can use it to buy a home on the open market. Loans are available between 10% and up to 50% of a property's worth, with a maximum property worth that can be bought – £300,000 – or up to £350,000 in some circumstances. This scheme is one of a number run the council's Housing Action Plan, and is part of a bid to create better access to affordable housing. To date, HAP has supported almost 9000 people and provided 800 more housing units. It's being partly funded by the Council Tax Premium on Second Homes and Empty Houses, with over £10.5 million invested since 2021. Among it efforts, the plans include building more houses, bringing empty houses back into use and tackling homelessness by developing more supported housing in the county. Councillor Paul Rowlinson, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: 'We are in the middle of a housing crisis and it's essential that we do everything we can to help the people of Gwynedd with their housing situation. 'The number of people who have received help through this scheme clearly shows that there is a demand for the scheme and that it's a scheme that works. 'It's also important that we review our housing plans constantly to ensure that the criteria reflect the true situation for the people of Gwynedd. 'House prices have risen enormously over the last few years we have listened, and now the Gwynedd Homebuy scheme in some circumstances can help towards buying houses worth £350,000. 'Working together with the Welsh Government and Tai Teg means that we can combine our resources and reach even more people throughout Gwynedd. 'It is a difficult time for local people who want to buy a home in their communities, but help is available. 'I encourage anyone who wants more information to go to the Council's website, and if you are eligible for the scheme, go and register with Tai Teg as soon as possible.' Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, said: 'It's wonderful to see how our work with Cyngor Gwynedd and Tai Teg has helped so many people buy a home in their community. 'The Dwyfor pilot has taken a fresh approach to Homebuy, and the results speak for themselves – more families and individuals have become homeowners than ever before'. A resident from Pen Llŷn who received support through the scheme said: 'I heard about the Homebuy scheme through a family member, and after reading more about it I really thought there was a catch of some sort, it sounded too good to be true. 'I went on to apply through Tai Teg, the whole process was quick and smooth, with plenty of support from the officers. 'We managed to buy a house with the help of the scheme within our community, something that would never have happened with house prices so high there'. See the website: Gwynedd Homebuy. To register, make an application or ask a question about the scheme, go to the Tai Teg website: Hafan | Tai Teg Call 03456 015 605 or see info@ See: Dwyfor second homes and affordability pilot |
South Wales Argus
18 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Lynne Neagle MS on bus £1 fares for young people in Torfaen
Young people with a valid free MyTravelPass card will be able to unlock single fares for just £1 or day passes allowing unlimited travel for just £3. The new £1 bus fares from the Welsh Government will better connect young people across Torfaen and beyond. Transport costs shouldn't be a barrier to young people achieving their goals or their ability explore Wales. Travelling to school, to work or to meet friends should be easy for everyone. If you are a young person in Torfaen and you don't already have a MyTravelPass I would encourage you to apply for one, to take full advantage of the travel discounts. More information on how the scheme works and details of how to apply for a free MyTravelPass is available at the website: mytravelpass. And from November 2025, the discounted travel ticket scheme will be extended to include five to 15-year-olds. Until then existing reduced fares for children will apply. It was great to hear the First Minister, Eluned Morgan recently say that cutting the cost of travel for young people and providing better transport for all is one of our Government's top priorities. Young people are our future, we must make sure we deliver on our promises to them. The travel pass scheme will initially run as a 12-month pilot – it will be for a future government to determine whether the scheme will be extended. Some £15m is being provided over two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support £1 bus fares for 16 to 21-year-olds as part of the Budget deal with the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds. The Welsh Government will invest a further £7m to extend the scheme to 5 to 15-year-olds, from November 3. The scheme will be voluntary for bus operators. I hope our young people in Torfaen will take advantage of the scheme and plan a journey near or far. Lynne Neagle is Senedd member for Torfaen.
South Wales Argus
18 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Teenager secures apprenticeship with help from Careers Wales
Rhys Copleston, 15, from Gwent, had been unsure about his future after deciding that college wasn't the right fit for him and feeling that starting full-time work straight after school might not be the best option either. He said: "In January this year I realised I've got to decide what's coming next. "I didn't feel like college was right for me. I wanted to start working, but I knew going straight into a job might not be the best idea." Things changed after he met Vicki Jones, the careers adviser at his school. She helped him explore different pathways, including apprenticeships. Mr Copleston said: "The careers meeting helped me see that an apprenticeship could be a better option. "Vicki helped me apply to a college course, find companies that would take me on, and look at apprenticeships. "It started with just talking, and then we moved into proper planning." Through their discussions, Mr Copleston discovered an interest in metal fabricating and decided to pursue it as a career. Working Wales careers advisers can help young people find their dream role (Image: Supplied) He said: "I like the creative side of it, and I like working with my hands. "It's not an office job – I'll be doing something physical and making things. "That really appeals to me." After meeting with a company offering apprenticeships, Mr Copleston was offered a placement and is now waiting for his college application to be completed. He said: "I honestly think without Careers Wales, I wouldn't have got it. "When I spoke to Vicki, it felt like she really wanted to help me. "It didn't feel like talking to a teacher. "She wanted me to do what felt right for me." With thousands of students preparing to receive their results, the Welsh Government is encouraging learners to contact Working Wales, a free and impartial careers service for anyone aged 16 and over. Anyone aged 16 to 24 can get help through the Young Person's Guarantee, which offers support to find work, education, or training. For more information or to speak with an adviser, visit the Working Wales website or call 0800 028 4844.
