Acorn members and council cabinets discuss empty property tax and winter fuel support scheme to address the cost-of-living crisis
Acorn members and councilors from the Splott Community held a discussion last Tuesday on taxing empty homes and establishing a Winter Fuel Support Scheme.
The Labor Government estimates that there are over 22,000 long-term vacant properties across Wales.
Cardiff is experiencing a housing emergency, with families seeking help from the homelessness services hit a record high. There are currently over 9,000 people on the Cardiff Housing Waiting List.
“There are lots of housing issues, a lot of poverty in Splott. I just walked past a couple of empty homes on my way here,” said Nora Rhiannon, the members of Acorn for three years.
In addition, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that cuts to the winter fuel payments in July, aimed at saving £1.4 billion which helping to close the budget gap in public spending.
Government analysis has revealed that the proposal could push 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales into relative fuel poverty.
“With rising living costs, and energy prices rocketing, many people have to choose between eating and heating, putting more strain on our food banks” said Aled, the secretary of Acorn in Cardiff.
The Acorn in Cardiff have been gathering signatures in the past six weeks which has proposed that local government should tax on the empty houses to fill the hole in housing support and help people pay with their bills.
The Acorn community-based union, composed of tenants, workers, and families which has 200 members in Cardiff and 8,000 in UK, is dedicated to fighting for fairer treatment and improving the state of local communities.
The councilor for the Splott community said that Cardiff Council already implements the Empty Homes premium, including empty properties and second homes. It will increase premiums by 100% annually within three years. All the premiums will be used to help meet local housing needs and increase the supply of affordable housing.
The government estimates that over 4,300 eligible individuals in Cardiff are yet to claim Pension Credit.
The Council’s Money Advice, Independent Living and Health & Wellbeing Teams is providing a series of support projects, such as financial health check and full assessment of benefit entitlement. It also assists in applying discounts for Warm Home Discount for those of working age.
Meanwhile, Warm welcome spaces are available in the city’s Hubs and Libraries. ‘Warm packs’ will be provided for people who are struggling with heating costs.
Acorn has launched the public campaign which has raised people’s awareness of the support available.
Warm welcome spaces can be found at: www.cardiffhubs.co.uk
Consult expert advisors: 029 20 871 071 or www.cardiffmoneyadvice.co.uk