QUESTIONS have been raised over property transactions involving Cardiff’s Deputy Lord Mayor and Trowbridge Labour Councillor, Michael Michael.
According to Land Registry documents, Councillor Michael purchased two properties — 56a and 56b Plasmawr Road, Fairwater — from Cardiff Council for £40,000 in 2020. The same properties were sold in 2024 for £200,000, representing a significant increase in value.
Councillor Michael has previously been the subject of controversy over his acquisition of a 99-year lease for 56a Plasmawr Road in 2001. Records indicate that the lease was granted at £1 per year, with a £10,000 premium being paid. That sum was later recovered from Cardiff West Cabs, who also paid market rent for the property.
Documents show that the Council’s senior valuer at the time advised against the arrangement, stating that the property should have been advertised to achieve the best value for the public. Despite this advice, the lease was approved.
Over the past decade, it appears Councillor Michael received approximately £100,000 in rent while paying a total of £10 to Cardiff Council over the same period.
Fairwater Propel Councillor Neil McEvoy, a long-standing critic of such deals, commented: “In my view, elected councillors should not be allowed to sublet Council leases they hold. Council housing tenants are not allowed to sublet their homes, are they?
“My position is that the market rent from 2001 until 2020 should have gone into Council coffers, not the Deputy Lord Mayor’s. Ditto the £200,000 sale. It didn’t, and this is how the Labour Party rolls in Wales.
“They say there’s no money, but then we see this kind of thing happen. I agree with the former senior valuer; I don’t think it was at all acceptable. I feel very sorry for the business that paid £200,000 and now face a large mortgage to pay off.
“They will have to work for years to pay that off. I have been in touch with Cardiff Council and Councillor Michael. It’s radio silence from them at the moment.
“We must end Labour rule in Wales. In key areas, Propel is the new Welsh alternative. I urge people to support us for a change.“
Councillor Michael has been given the opportunity to respond to these concerns. A response from Councillor Michael is awaited.
