The Housing and Local Government Legislative Competence Order (LCO) is expected to gain Royal Assent on 21st July 2010 transferring housing powers to WAG. The LCO will see powers on right to buy, homelessness and affordable housing handed over to the Assembly. The decision could also see people having to apply for planning permission to buy second homes, although this is plagued by potential problems of enforcement. The right to buy opportunity devised by Thatcher has caused significant problems particularly in rural areas such as Powys, Ceredigion and Gwynedd and has done more to undermine Welsh language and culture than any planning policy. The powers pave the way for WAG and its local authority partners to bring about a Welsh dimension and solution to hosuing problems.
We now await the response of Powys Council to the debate. Gwynedd Council as usual are raring to go on intiatives to curb second home ownership.
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