Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:10 pm on 6 July 2021.
Thank you, Minister, for your statement. As someone representing a hugely attractive area of west Wales, where houses for first-time buyers are scarce, I welcome the fact that this is a three-pronged approach. While I don't agree with each one unconditionally, I'm pleased that it's not a single, sledgehammer policy, which could end up causing far more harm than good. We also can't underestimate the enormous economic benefits that the domestic holiday industry brings, with Pembrokeshire topping a recent list of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers, with people enjoying a warm welcome to holiday cottages across the county.
I'm interested in the Welsh language community housing plan that you mentioned in your statement, and I ask whether there's any further information on this plan. As with all consultation, this needs to be as far-reaching as possible, and I hope the views of all those who contribute are given serious consideration in the consultation's conclusion, and that this isn't just a box-ticking exercise. Secondly, you mentioned developing a statutory registration scheme for all holiday accommodation, including short-term lets. Can I ask who will manage these registrations, Minister? Will it fall on the local authorities, and, if so, will they be funded accordingly, or will the cost fall onto the owners of the holiday accommodation, with the charge reflecting the number of properties? Diolch.