Welsh housing plan adapts to downturn
A new housing plan for Wales was launched today at the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru’s annual conference.
The document combines strategies on homelessness, housing need and quality, older people and housing-related support services.
It is designed to simplify the aims and challenges for the sector in Wales for the next few years in light of the economic downturn.
James Price, the Welsh Assembly Government’s head of transport, regeneration and housing, launched the document after deputy minister for housing Jocelyn Davies had to pull out.
In a statement she said: ‘Investment in housing brings with it benefits for the economy, for jobs and training opportunities, for people’s health and well being, and for the environment.
‘It also helps tackle poverty and inequalities and opens up new opportunities for people.’
The document pledges to provide more housing of the right type, offer more choice, improve homes and communities, and improve housing-related support. It promises energy efficiency improvements for new and existing homes.
It states: ‘Generally speaking, there is a need to do much more with less money. Inevitably, this will mean tough choices. Close co-operation between organisations will be even more important.’
A new Housing Board will be set up to ensure close co-operation between public services and businesses, which will monitor progress and report regularly to Ms Davies. A report will be published every two years.
‘Local authorities will continue to be a key driver in meeting housing need,’ the strategy notes. ‘There are very few circumstances where an organisation involved in housing does not at some point need to interact with a local authority.’
It states: ‘The role of housing associations is also vital. Effective governance, strong financial management and providing quality services to tenants and others is essential.’
It also talks about the contribution banks and building societies, developers, local businesses, and private landlords can make.
The plan comes just nine months after the Welsh Assembly Government published its 10-year homelessness strategy, to concentrate on early intervention and identification. This is now incorporated in the latest strategy.
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