A ONE-WOMAN protest is taking place in a mid Wales village after residents saw their rents rise after the whole village was bought by an investment company.
Sara Lewis is protesting after universal credit refused to pay the shortfall in her rent after London based Walsh Investment Properties brought the village of Aberllefenni, near Machynlleth.
After the buyout, rents rose nearly 60 per cent to £550 per month leaving Ms Lewis with a shortfall of over £100 in her monthly payments.
However, she is unable to make up the difference as she is unable to work as she suffers with a severe respiratory disease.
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“I’m not too good if I’m honest I’m just about holding it together but I’m getting emotional and shocked with myself with how far I’ve got to go,” said Ms Lewis.
“Having a severe respiratory disease (emphysema) and having my little protest up on the bench, I can’t believe why it’s led to this.”
Ms Lewis is now protesting daily with an oxygen tank over the situation something that is having a severe effect on her wellbeing.
“I’m physically and mentally shattered but feel I have no choice,” said Ms Lewis. “I’m scared of the consequences of me sitting out there for six hours a day and do realise I’m putting myself at risk.”
Walsh Investment have previously said the rent rise is just bringing the property up to the average market rate and Ms Lewis says she is not upset with her new landlord.
Ms Lewis said the problem is the lack of extra money being given by the Department of Work and Pensions as Gwynedd Council can only offer a £100 discretionary payment – meaning she is still short £150 short and at risk of losing her home of 22 years.
“I do not have a problem with my new landlord, they have been more than fair and have been working with me so I can remain in my home,” said Ms Lewis.
“My issue is with the Government as I am on Universal Credit and am only entitled to £300 per month for my rent. Where on earth can you get somewhere so cheap to rent? There is absolutely nowhere.
“The rent increase is in line now with the area. In fact it’s probably just below other rentals.
“My family are from Corris, I have a great support network here to help me. I will be heartbroken if I lose my home.”
The support locally has been phenomenal people asking what they can do to help.
A Cyngor Gwynedd Spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting any individual facing difficulties as a result of the housing crisis. All applications for Discretionary Housing Funding presented to us are assessed by our benefits team as a matter of urgency.
“Whilst we cannot comment in detail on individual cases, we can confirm that the assessment for this particular application has been completed and a notification letter has been sent to the customer.
“We would urge anyone who has concerns about their housing situation, is homeless or at risk of homelessness to contact the Council’s Homelessness Service by calling 01766771000 or visiting the website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/housing.”
Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Dwyfor Meirionnydd said that “Sara is absolutely right to be protesting this situation” and that the rent rise she faced was “entirely immoral”.
“The other problem which this has shone a light on is the Tories complete disregard for people on low income,” said Mr ap Gwynfor.
“They have resolutely refused to raise the Local Housing Allowance, which is the element within the Universal income which pays for rents in the private sector.
“The LHA has been capped since 2020 and since then we have seen rents increase more in Wales than any other part of the UK except London. This is why I put a motion in front of the Senedd calling for rent caps so that we avoid situations like this.”
Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales added: “It is contemptible that the UK Government won’t raise the Local Housing Allowance, and the landlords should show greater empathy to their tenants.
"Rents need to be controlled and should better reflect the tenants ability to pay. A house is a home not a commodity”.
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