Welsh Government takes action to increase affordable housing

The Welsh Government has set out its commitment to supporting social landlords and increasing the supply of affordable homes in Wales.

In last week’s Draft Budget, the Welsh Government pledged an additional £21.7 million to increase the number of social houses in Wales. This significant investment in housing associations is expected to support the construction of over 250 new affordable homes, providing a safe and secure place to live for hundreds of Wales’ most vulnerable people.

In another show of support for the sector, Housing Minister, Lesley Griffiths, has today provided assurance to social landlords in Wales that the current rent policy will continue to apply next year.

This decision means social landlords can continue to invest in their properties and ensure the supply of affordable housing in Wales is maintained. It also allows social landlords to continue to provide key services to tenants, such as job and training opportunities, and ensure they can meet the Welsh Government’s quality standards for social housing.

Lesley Griffiths said:

“Providing people with a safe, warm and secure home is one of the key priorities for this government. This is why we have pledged an additional £21.7m to help housing associations increase the availability of affordable housing in Wales.

“I am proud of our positive and constructive relationship with our invaluable social landlords and our commitment to work together for the benefit of tenants.

“Maintaining our social rent policy provides stability for social landlords and enables them to continue to provide the good quality, affordable housing Welsh families need – as well as a whole host of invaluable tenants’ services.”

Stuart Ropke, Group Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru, said:

“We are pleased that Welsh Government has made the decision to confirm the rent settlement which was previously agreed between CHC and WG for 2016/17. A secure rental income stream alongside continued financial support from Welsh Government is vital for the future viability of Welsh housing associations, and this security means that the sector can continue to build more homes and deliver services in communities across Wales.

“Investment in housing helps to stimulate the economy as well as providing funding for new affordable homes, and it is heartening to see Welsh Government’s confidence in Welsh housing associations’ ability to deliver. We will continue to work on behalf of our members to evidence their impact.”