Hundreds More Await Council Homes in the Vale of Glamorgan
Since six months ago, the demand for council homes in the Vale of Glamorgan has significantly increased, leaving hundreds of households on the waiting list. According to Wales Online, the Vale of Glamorgan Council reported a current total of 7,217 households waiting for council accommodation, with areas like Baruc, Buttrills, and Castleland in Barry being the most sought after. This marks an increase from 6,930 households in September 2024 and around 6,200 in February 2024.
Moreover, during the period from March 2024 to March 2025, 1,275 individuals approached the council for homelessness support. Although the council has plans to construct more housing units in the upcoming years, the immediate demand remains high. One recent development completed by the council is the Llys yr Eglwys in Barry, consisting of one-bedroom homes built on the site of the former Colcot Clinic on Winston Road.
Steven Platt, a tenant at the new development, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This is my home now. I can settle and I can relax.” The council is making efforts to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, with over 400 households seeking homelessness advice in the first half of the financial year and nearly 300 households being placed in temporary accommodation by September.
Notably, the emphasis is on constructing one-bedroom houses and flats, given their popularity among individuals on the council housing waiting lists. Cllr Sandra Perkes, the cabinet member for public sector housing and tenant engagement, highlighted the long-term strategy to increase the number of council houses and address the surging demand for such properties. She mentioned that the Llys yr Eglwys development aligns with the council’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Looking ahead, the Vale of Glamorgan Council aims to complete 206 new homes by the end of the 2024-25 financial year, with plans to commence work on five different housing sites in 2025. The council currently has a contract with Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose, running until March 31, 2025. This underscores the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the region to cater to the growing number of households in need.
In conclusion, the housing situation in the Vale of Glamorgan reflects a broader issue faced across the UK, with a rising demand for affordable accommodation. The efforts by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to address the immediate housing needs while planning for future developments are crucial steps in ensuring residents have access to safe and stable housing options.