Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM / AC
Press Release
13th September 2006
Plaid Consider First Time Buyers Grant
Plaid Cymru is looking at plans to introduce grants of up to £5000 for first time buyers as a contribution towards meeting the cost of a deposit on a new home. The party believes that help for first time buyers is vitally important, given the fact that the number of young people able to buy their own homes in Wales has fallen by nearly 20% over the last ten years.
The scheme - which would be the first of its kind in the UK - would mean that the Assembly Government would encourage first time buyers to save towards their deposit by offering a £ for £ contribution with the buyer saving up to £5000 matched by an equal Assembly grant. A deposit of £10,000 would then be a major contribution towards the cost of a new home.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:
"Affordable housing for first time buyers in Carmarthenshire is a key issue. The cost of a home is way above the means of many first time buyers. An Assembly grant of £5000 will enable more young people and first time buyers to get onto the property ladder."
Adam Price added:
"Housing has not had the priority it has deserved. There is an ongoing issue in Carmarthenshire and Wales as a whole where first time buyers are being priced out of the housing market. This Assembly grant would help those people having difficulty getting onto the property ladder."
Diwedd / Ends
Note to Editors
For further information contact Owen Hathway on 01269 597677 or 0792 1146442
