News

Welsh Government ‘should focus beyond affordable homes’ to tackle housing crisis

Published

2 years ago

September 16, 2024

A NEW report by leading planning and development consultancy Lichfields calls for a more comprehensive housing strategy in Wales.

Whilst efforts to increase the supply of low-carbon social housing are commendable, Lichfields’ analysis reveals that this narrow approach misses the larger picture.

The Welsh Government’s current focus on affordable housing alone will not solve the deepening housing crisis, which requires a more holistic strategy that addresses both supply and demand factors.

The report, titled “Affordable housing in Wales: Does more of less really mean more?” highlights that the key to improving housing affordability lies in expanding overall housing delivery, not just affordable homes.

It identifies several barriers to achieving the Welsh Government’s target of 20,000 low-carbon social housing homes by 2026. Current efforts, which focus too specifically on delivering subsidised rental homes, do not address the underlying shortage of total housing supply, which remains the primary contributor to the housing crisis. Lichfields’ analysis shows that expanding overall housing delivery would not only increase the supply of affordable homes but also enhance the viability of broader housing goals.

Rhiannon Harrop-Griffiths, a planner at Lichfields and co-author of the report, said: “Our findings show a need for a shift in strategy. By increasing the overall housing stock, the Welsh Government can both increase the stock of affordable housing and improve affordability across all sectors, making housing more accessible to a wider range of people.

“Simply focusing on low carbon social rent in isolation risks perpetuating the shortage of homes across all tenures. A more holistic approach that balances the need for social and affordable housing with private market housing would not only help meet the diverse needs of Welsh communities but also stimulate economic growth through job creation and rebalance communities where young families are excluded from the housing market.”

Key recommendations from the report include adopting a more robust methodology in identifying future need for both affordable and market housing, facilitating higher levels of private sector housing delivery in recognition of its role in providing affordable housing, and revising housing requirements in Local Development Plans to more accurately identify future levels of housing need. The report also calls for greater collaboration between public and private sectors to overcome viability challenges and support sustainable housing growth.

Gareth Williams, a Senior Director at Lichfields, added: “Our research shows that a restrictive definition of affordable housing and a lack of focus on broader housing delivery are hindering progress. By widening the scope to include different housing types and market dynamics, the Welsh Government can better balance supply and demand, ultimately alleviating pressure on the housing market.”

The full report can be downloaded and read here: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/affordable-housing-in-wales

News

Plaid Cymru councillor suspended over migration comments

Published

6 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LONG-SERVING Gwynedd councillor has been suspended by Plaid Cymru after comments linking migration, housing pressure and the Welsh language.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, who represents Bangor’s Dewi ward, made the remarks during a planning committee debate on an application for 25 homes in Chwilog, on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Councillor raised concerns

The committee voted to reject the scheme against officers’ advice after concerns were raised about its possible impact on community cohesion and the Welsh language.

During the meeting, Cllr Roberts said Bangor was “no longer a Welsh-speaking area” and claimed he had seen the city’s Welsh-speaking population decline.

He said: “Certainly, within the last five years, I’ve seen hundreds if not 1,000 more people coming here to live, migrants.”

He also referred to pressure on schools, saying he had been told there were 42 different languages being spoken at his former primary school.

Cllr Roberts argued that housing shortages in Bangor could push demand into surrounding Welsh-speaking communities, including Chwilog.

Party investigation

Plaid Cymru has confirmed that Cllr Roberts’ party membership has been temporarily suspended following a formal complaint.

A party spokesperson said the suspension was a “neutral action” while an investigation is carried out.

Cllr Roberts has also resigned from Plaid Cymru’s group on Cyngor Gwynedd and is now listed as an individual member.

Speaking to BBC Wales, he insisted he was not opposed to migration and said Bangor had always been multicultural.

He said his comments were about housing, integration and the need to help people learn Welsh, rather than criticism of those who had moved to the area.

Community

Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

Published

22 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

***Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event***

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

***The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)***

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.

Community

Milford Haven groups recognised at Mayor’s celebration tea

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Charities, volunteers and cadets honoured as Mayor’s Charity Fund donations are handed out

COMMUNITY groups, charities and volunteers from across Milford Haven were recognised at a special Mayor’s Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The event was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, as an opportunity to bring together many of the individuals, groups and organisations who support the town.

Afternoon tea was provided by Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, with several cadets achieving their Catering badge as a result.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL MStJ presented certificates, badges and thank-you gifts to the cadets. Gifts were also presented to those who provided stewarding support, and to the adults who helped with instruction and support over the weekend.

The Mayor and Consort also presented donations from the Mayor’s Charity Fund following fundraising carried out during their term of office.

Recipient	Donation
Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets	£4,250
Milford Haven Town Band	£4,250
Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru	£4,250
Pill Social Centre	£1,000
The Harrier Association	£501.57
Gelliswick Community Choir	£500
New Pembrokeshire Pride	£500
2nd Milford Haven Sea Scouts	£500
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society	£400
Milford Haven Bowls Club	£300
NCI Wooltack Point	£300
St Katharine’s Stratford Players	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Luncheon Club	£300
Megan’s Starr Foundation	£300
Milford Haven Chess Club	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Stroke Survivors Short Mat Bowls Group	£300

A raffle held during the afternoon raised £300 for The Wallich, to support its homeless outreach work.

The Mayor also presented Civic Awards in recognition of community service and support to the town.

Recipients included NCI Wooltack Point, Pembrokeshire Pride, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Callum Goodland RNR, Gelliswick Community Choir, Frank Hart, Anthony Williams of Milford Haven Royal British Legion, Jackie Davies, and Mayor’s Cadet Leading Cadet Connor.

The Freedom of the Town was also presented to Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and Milford Haven Town Band.

Cllr Elliott and Mr Jones said: “Thank you for all of your support for our two years as the Mayor and Consort of Milford Haven.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed it once again, meeting and supporting many of the wonderful groups, charities and individuals in our town.

“For those that received an award or a donation, thank you for all you do to support and make our community great — making Milford Haven the safe and welcoming haven it is.”