Wales commits to building 20,000 more affordable homes

September 22, 2016 / Isla MacFarlane
Wales commits to building 20,000 more affordable homes

As part of its Programme for Government, the Welsh Government has committed to an ambitious target of delivering 20,000 affordable homes.

The Programme for Government, named Welsh Government Taking Wales Forward, outlines plans to:

  • introduce a new ‘rent to own’ housing model;
  • explore options to end land banking;
  • collaborate long term with house builders to deliver accelerated rates of house building;
  • safeguard social housing by ending Right to Buy;
  • support the work of Rural Housing Enablers.

This target will be made up of 14,000 affordable homes for rent and 6,000 homes through the Help to Buy Scheme. The plan also includes a suite of transport schemes aimed at improving connectivity across Wales.

“Collaboration, innovation and evidence based investment will be critical components to ending the housing crisis in Wales,” Kevin Howell, director of CIH Cymru said. “Good quality homes, to buy or to rent, play a vital role in creating a stronger, fairer and healthier Wales and so it’s good to see housing included in the new Programme for Government.

“As part of the Homes for Wales coalition we called for an ambitious plan for housing and so we welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to a target of 20,000 affordable homes. The commitment to introduce a new ‘rent to own’ housing model; explore options to end land banking; continue long term collaboration with house builders to deliver accelerated rates of house building along with the safeguarding of social housing by ending Right to Buy; and continuing to support the work of Rural Housing Enablers are all positive developments.

“It is essential that the Welsh Government takes an evidence based approach to ensure that investment in housing is focussed where it’s needed most.  This will help ensure its aim to secure housing for all can be realised.”

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