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Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Holiday home crackdown having 'impact on purchasing behaviour' in Welsh hotspots
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A holiday home crackdown in Wales is having an "impact on purchasing behaviour" say tax chiefs. The growth in second homes and holiday lets in some rural and coastal communities triggered a backlash over fears about the impact on local people. There were parts of Gwynedd where half of all homes were holiday properties with warnings about the negative consequences this was having on the Welsh language and culture. It has seen an effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people - although critics say the focus should be on building more properties. Measures include significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. Other areas are looking to follow their lead. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data in the Land Transaction Tax statistics - the Welsh version of stamp duty - is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers Those properties sold to buy to let landlords, or as second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets, face a higher rate transaction cost. It is these higher rate sales that are falling as a proportion of total sales. Compared with the previous year (the year ending June 2024), the local authorities with the largest percentage changes were: Isle of Anglesey (decrease of 8 percentage points to 25%) Gwynedd (decrease of 6 percentage points to 26% ) Conwy (decrease of 3 percentage points to 21%) The corresponding changes with the previous year for the three National Parks were: Pembrokeshire Coast: 50% to 38%, a decrease of 12 percentage points Eryri: 36% to 29%, a decrease of 7 percentage points Bannau Brycheiniog: 19% to 21%, an increase of 1 percentage point Talking about the longer term trend, the latest Welsh Revenue Authority report said: "In the past few years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. "The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 26% in the year ending June 2025. "The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% in the year to June 2024, there followed a larger fall to 25% in the year to June 2025." Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: "Comparing the year to June with the previous year, many areas of Wales saw decreases in their percentage of residential transactions which were higher rates, in particular the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd. "We're pleased to publish our second annual article about intent behind higher rates transactions and report on trends for the first time. The article tells us that many of the trends in higher rates transactions were due to changes in purchases of second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets. These trends are consistent with policies around second homes in Wales having some impact on purchasing behaviour. "Nationally in April to June, quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024."
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent youngsters urged to take part in summer reading challenge
The summer reading challenge this year has the theme of 'Story Garden' and children are being urged to read at least six books, choosing from stories, graphic novels, non-fiction books, or audio books. Those joining in can unlock rewards, discover new reads, and receive a medal and certificate at the end. Public libraries are also running story times and themed activities throughout the summer to encourage children to join the challenge. The programme has been part funded by the Welsh Government via the Books Council of Wales. An all-Wales library digital platform costing £900,000 and bringing together all 22 Welsh authorities on the same system for the first time has also been launched. Minister for culture Jack Sargeant said: "Digitisation of library services is not just something that makes their use easier, but something which is essential for their longevity. "I'd like to extend a 'diolch' to Cyngor Gwynedd for their hard work to ensure every authority is able to use the platform easily. 'These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs that inspire learning, creativity and connection across all ages. "Through digital innovation and engaging summer programmes, libraries continue to play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning and community cohesion throughout Wales.' Cabinet secretary for education and MS for Torfaen Lynne Neagle said: "We are once again funding the summer reading challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. "The challenge helps capture children's imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays."
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Holiday home crackdown having 'impact on purchasing behaviour' in Welsh hotspots
A holiday home crackdown in Wales is having an "impact on purchasing behaviour" say tax chiefs. The growth in second homes and holiday lets in some rural and coastal communities triggered a backlash over fears about the impact on local people. There were parts of Gwynedd where half of all homes were holiday properties with warnings about the negative consequences this was having on the Welsh language and culture. It has seen an effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people - although critics say the focus should be on building more properties. Measures include significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. Other areas are looking to follow their lead. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data in the Land Transaction Tax statistics - the Welsh version of stamp duty - is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers Those properties sold to buy to let landlords, or as second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets, face a higher rate transaction cost. It is these higher rate sales that are falling as a proportion of total sales. Compared with the previous year (the year ending June 2024), the local authorities with the largest percentage changes were: Isle of Anglesey (decrease of 8 percentage points to 25%) Gwynedd (decrease of 6 percentage points to 26% ) Conwy (decrease of 3 percentage points to 21%) The corresponding changes with the previous year for the three National Parks were: Pembrokeshire Coast: 50% to 38%, a decrease of 12 percentage points Eryri: 36% to 29%, a decrease of 7 percentage points Bannau Brycheiniog: 19% to 21%, an increase of 1 percentage point Talking about the longer term trend, the latest Welsh Revenue Authority report said: "In the past few years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. "The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 26% in the year ending June 2025. "The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% in the year to June 2024, there followed a larger fall to 25% in the year to June 2025." Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: "Comparing the year to June with the previous year, many areas of Wales saw decreases in their percentage of residential transactions which were higher rates, in particular the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd. "We're pleased to publish our second annual article about intent behind higher rates transactions and report on trends for the first time. The article tells us that many of the trends in higher rates transactions were due to changes in purchases of second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets. These trends are consistent with policies around second homes in Wales having some impact on purchasing behaviour. "Nationally in April to June, quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024."
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Must-visit' Abersoch bar's licence bid sparks 'public nuisance' concerns
A newly renovated bar which promises a "glamorous night out" in the seaside village of Abersoch is seeking to extend its hours and activities through a licensing bid. An application to vary the premises licence of Soch Bar, formerly known as the Fresh restaurant, on the High Street has been received by Cyngor Gwynedd. However, some locals have expressed concerns over the potential for loud music and noisy customers leaving the venue. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter Environmental health officers for the council's Public Protection Service have insisted on an "approved noise management plan". No objections to the scheme have been presented by North Wales Police, the region's fire and rescue service, nor the Llanengan Community Council. Soch (NW) Ltd wants to vary its licence to extend the hours for licensable activities, and to add late night refreshments, indoors and outdoors. The matter will be decided by Cyngor Gwynedd's central licensing sub-committee on Wednesday, August 13. A committee report said it was "likely that the hours sought will not be used regularly but will take advantage of the busiest times during the seasons". The bar, which describes itself as "quintessentially Abersoch," boasts a "sun-soaked terrace" offering "a lavish spot for a refreshing cocktail" on its website. The new owners - Dale Halliwell and family - have given the site "a full makeover, complete stylish furnishings and an inviting outdoor space," it says. They added: "Soch Bar promises to be a must-visit spot, subtly suited to both casual day drinks and a glamorous night out." Three members of the public have raised concerns that the licensing objective of "preventing public nuisance" could be "undermined" due to the intention to hold licensable activities later. A committee report stated that one resident was "already very concerned" about the noise and felt that permitting the extended hours would "cause a public nuisance and set a precedent for other businesses". "It is noted that temporary events licence applications have been in place over the last few weeks," the report said. "It is also confirmed that noise complaints have been received recently from a nearby resident regarding loud music, customers shouting and being noisy when leaving the premises." The police stated that the premises had operated as a restaurant in recent years, known as Fresh, and there were "no concerns". "The building has been significantly refurbished and is now a new business called Soch," the police said. "Since the refurbishment work has been completed, Soch has operated the sale of alcohol under a Temporary Events Notice several times without any problem or any need to call on our services. North Wales Police have no objection." The fire and rescue had not submitted any observations. Environmental Health (Public Protection Service) had noted there would be no objection - provided the applicant "accepts and implements an approved noise management plan". It noted that the applicant had agreed to hours permitted up to 1am (Friday-Saturday), midnight (Sunday-Thursday), in accordance with the application for a premises licence. Staff would have to monitor the noise level and make adjustments. The music noise level would be reduced 15 minutes before closing, although there was no specific "quieting down" requirement. Numbers would be monitored by staff and adjusted, windows and doors kept closed during live or recorded music, except for access/exits. Speakers would be placed away from windows and external doors and staff would do perimeter checks during peak hours. Acoustic barriers (curtains) should be used if any concerns arise, with background music played only when there was no band or entertainment. Regarding outdoor music, occasional outdoor music events could be permitted until 10.30pm (Friday–Saturday) and 10pm (Sunday-Thursday). Neighbours would have to be notified of organised outdoor events, and speakers not directed towards residential premises. The smoking shelter and outdoor seating areas would open until 11pm (Sunday-Thursday) and midnight (Friday and Saturday). Outdoor tables and chairs would have rubber feet to reduce noise, and staff would monitor areas, reminding guests to be "respectful".
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales to benefit from major digital investment
A new £18.8 million Advanced Wireless project, funded by the North Wales Growth Deal, aims to accelerate the region's digital transformation by supporting the rollout of next-generation wireless technologies across both the public and private sectors over the next four years. The programme will promote the adoption of 5G mobile private networks, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Wi-Fi 6/7 networks, and Industry 4.0 solutions, all in line with the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy. Cllr Nia Jeffreys, lead member for Ambition North Wales's Digital Connectivity Programme and leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, said: "Advanced wireless technologies are essential for boosting productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across North Wales. "The approval of this full business case means we can now support organisations across the region to invest in digital infrastructure suitable for the future. "This will benefit businesses and public services throughout North Wales and create new jobs for the region which is something to be welcomed." The scheme is projected to generate significant economic benefits, with targets of creating between 315 and 380 new jobs and contributing an additional £130 million to £158 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2036. It is also expected to attract between £37 million and £46 million in total investment. The initiative forms part of Ambition North Wales' wider Digital Connectivity Programme, which focuses on delivering high-quality, affordable digital access across the region. It complements other projects such as 4G+ and low-power wide area networks that address mobile coverage challenges. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "The approval of this £18.8 million investment marks a key moment for North Wales' digital future. "Advanced wireless technologies will not only strengthen connectivity across our towns and rural communities, but unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. "The Welsh Government is proud to support a programme that positions North Wales at the forefront of the UK's digital infrastructure strategy." Over the next four years, the scheme will support up to 200 businesses and public sector organisations to adopt advanced wireless technologies, helping to build a more competitive and resilient digital economy. Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffth said: "To boost productivity, it is vital that businesses and communities have the right digital infrastructure. "This investment from the UK and Welsh Governments via the North Wales Growth deal is another step forward in our central mission to kickstart economic growth, create good jobs and unlock opportunities for people across Wales." The project also supports UK Government targets for gigabit-capable broadband and high-bandwidth mobile coverage along major transport routes, including the A55, A483, and A5.
