Editor

I recently became aware of a social housing tenant in Worcestershire, negotiating with a tenant in Barmouth to arrange a house swap.

I contacted Cllr Gethin Williams asking why this is allowed, bearing in mind the shortage of housing in Gwynedd available for local people. Mr Williams was very responsive and informed me that social housing swaps are apparently allowed. I then contacted Adra, the organisation that oversees social housing in Gwynedd who subsequently sent me a link to the legislation allowing social home swapping.

Whilst I am sure both families involved are decent people, I find it incomprehensible that someone from outside the area, with no familial ties, employment, or even any idea what Barmouth is like (as was evidenced by her Facebook questions) should theoretically be able to move straight into social housing in Barmouth. We all know there is a shortage of housing both for sale and long-term private rental in the area and many local people have been on the housing list for years.

While I can appreciate the ideology behind the legislation, surely it should be better thought out and swaps limited in areas of severe housing need? Local people, those born and bred in an area, should come first.

Jocelyn B Whysall

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