Coalition urged to deliver promised housing powers
Welsh housing bodies have urged the UK government to make good on a promise to devolve more powers to the country.
In the programme of government, published last month, the coalition government pledged to ‘take forward the sustainable homes legislative competence order’ for Wales.
The LCO, which would give Wales wide-ranging powers over housing, was introduced before the general election but failed because it ran out of time before the session of Parliament ended.
It was held back by objections from the Conservative Party, who were concerned about the powers it would give the Welsh Assembly Government over the right to buy and sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
The secretary of state for Wales, Cheryl Gillian, has now announced a referendum on a range of powers for Wales will not take place this year.
It was hoped the referendum would be held in the autumn, which would supersede the housing LCO, but it is now hoped it will happen before the end of the first quarter next year.
Vikki Hiscocks, policy and public affairs manager at the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru, said: ‘It’s very pleasing it’s in the coalition agreement – we hope it’s taken forward as soon as possible and we will try to work in partnership to try to ensure it’s achieved.’
Nick Bennett, chief executive of Community Housing Cymru, said: ‘We await to hear if the LCO will be introduced in the same form as it was before the General Election and I think Community Housing Cymru and other stakeholders in Wales are keen to see primary legislative powers for the assembly as soon as possible.’
A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said: ‘The first minister and deputy first minister have discussed the LCO with the prime minister and with the secretary of state for Wales. We are pleased to see the commitment to take the LCO forward in the UK government’s coalition document.’
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment