A COUNCIL debate over the number of empty houses waiting to be re-let on Anglesey erupted into a row.
During a meeting of Anglesey Council’s corporate scrutiny committee meeting on Wednesday, September 17, the committee chair Councillor Jeff Evans said he was aware of houses on the island that were still empty after two years.
He said they were properties that had been “in first class” condition initially, but which now had overgrown gardens where you were more “likely to find Tarzan in them”.
The comment prompted a strong reaction from the council’s housing portfolio holder Cllr Robin Williams.
He said he was “disappointed” the matter had been raised during a public meeting, and accused Cllr Evans of providing “no evidence” for the claim.
The committee was discussing the number of council homes that were empty, or “void”, and the work done to reduce the time it takes to re-let homes when they become available.
The average number of calendar days to re-let accommodation units was 89, higher than the Q1 target of 51.
Cllr Williams said the target to re-let houses had been changed compared to previous scorecards, now only including the letting of existing houses – not new houses.
“In terms of our current position, we have approximately 4,000 houses on Anglesey, in September, 2024 – a year ago, we had over 100 empty properties or voids. I’m pleased to report it has come down to 57.”
A new maintenance manager had been employed and more painters and decorators brought in to reduce letting gaps. Head of housing services Ned Michael said he was “pleased to report” the reason the performance had improved due to using an “external contractor framework”.
He said: “We are trying to get more keys out every week than the number of keys coming in and have employed a property supervisor focusing on voids.
He was “confident” that since April, there was “good progress” and he was “satisfied” with performance.
In response, Cllr Evans said: “I am listening to some words, assurances, information – unfortunately for me, it’s miles from reality.
“I say that with the greatest respect, because I’m aware of houses, ‘voids’, which have been in council hands empty for two years.
“Properties, initially in first class condition, gardens perfect, now I find them still empty two years later, and gardens you could probably find Tarzan in.”
Replying, Cllr Williams said: “You could have approached myself or head of housing at any time, given us details about these houses, so that we could do some research.
“I don’t understand why you have not approached me with these allegations before today.
“Currently we have 53 voids – yes, some of them have been empty in the long term – but there are specific reasons.”
Cllr Evans retorted: “I have brought this up with head of housing and yourself in the past.”
Cllr Williams replied: “You have not given me evidence or information. I can’t do anything without knowing which properties you are talking about.”
Leader of the opposition Cllr Aled Morris Jones added that he was “disappointed” at how the portfolio holder had responded to the “respectful manner” the matter had been brought up.
He said: “Sometimes we are told that we should not bring an issue to the full council. We are now being told we should not bring issues to scrutiny.
“Perhaps we won’t be able to bring issues up anywhere. It’s called freedom of speech after all.”
Cllr Williams said he was not trying to stop anyone from speaking but felt it was “only fair” for information to be shared.
He said: “Unfortunately, the councillor has mentioned houses but when I ask for the details, I don’t get them, so I cant do any research.”
Mr Michael said he was also “not aware” of any address made known that he had not responded to and was “more than willing” to answer any questions if the information was brought to him.
Addressing Cllr Evans, council leader Cllr Gary Pritchard said: “The point being made is that these figures are part of the corporate scorecard, as chair of this committee you’ve claimed the figures are not correct.
“If we reach that point, we reach a point where the scrutiny committee is losing its credibility.
“I think those figures reflect our current position, if there is an allegation that the figures are incorrect, that should be handed to the portfolio holder and head of housing services.
“There should not be comments made from the chair without evidence.” Cllr Evans said he would “take on board what people are saying today” and “produce the evidence” to be scrutinised.
