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Caerphilly Observer readers may be aware that during the Senedd by-election I filmed a video outside an empty council house in Trecenydd, in my old council ward. That film had a staggering 100,000 views.

The huge interest among the public highlighted how important housing is to so many people and how appalling it was to see this property boarded up and empty while families were stuck in temporary accommodation.

The council rips out pretty good bathrooms and kitchens and replaces flooring. It’s because the council has been instructed by the Welsh Government to replace everything in a council house when it becomes vacant and that is costing £10m in Caerphilly alone.

When I was the councillor I had local people coming to me desperate for a home. They were living in overcrowded conditions or in totally unsuitable hotels.

The council is losing rent while homes are empty and there are costs to secure the properties. But more important than anything is that the delays in filling these homes are depriving people of a decent home to live in.

Since I became a Senedd Member in October I’ve had lots of complaints from local homeless people waiting on the council housing waiting list when there are literally hundreds of vacant homes.

There is a little bit of good news. The house in Trecenydd that I highlighted during the election campaign has finally been let. But it took nine months to do so, which is frankly scandalous.

As a Senedd Member I’ve already quizzed the housing minister. I was not satisfied with the response – so I intend to pursue this issue with the aim of getting some common sense into the social housing letting system.

I also wanted to hark back to Christmas to say how great it was to see so many happy children at concerts in my area. I would like to give a massive shout out to all those teachers that made events great. Also, thanks to the brilliant volunteers on the Santa sleighs that toured estates.

The Senedd is back in session this week and it will be extremely busy for the next few months, building up to the May Senedd elections.