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Welsh housing associations need to beat the skills barrier in 2019
The social housing sector in Wales is facing several challenges this year including construction skills shortages. Clarissa Corbisiero-Peters explains why she is confident housing associations will rise to the challenge
During our annual conference last year, we spoke at length about our commitment as a sector to continue delivering the homes that Wales needs, despite the challenges the housing sector might face.
As we move into 2019, we are entering into a period of change, not only in Wales, with the announcement of Mark Drakeford as the new first minister, but in Westminster too, as Theresa May battles for a Brexit deal.
One thing that has remained constant though, is the ability of the housing sector to pull together and continue to deliver.
The latest socio-economic impact report commissioned by Community Housing Cymru, shows that over the past year, Welsh housing associations have played a vital role in the economy of Wales, spending over £1.2bn in 2017/18, with 84% of that spend remaining in Wales.
“Another barrier to housebuilding is the shortage of skills we have in the housing sector in Wales”
The gross value added to the Welsh economy reached £886m, up 20% since the previous year.
We have spoken about the political challenges we face, but another barrier to housebuilding is the shortage of skills we have in the housing sector in Wales.
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Yet, statistics show that the commitment is there for us to build on the talent here in Wales, and retain the staff that is needed.
The data we commissioned also shows that 23,000 full-time equivalent job roles were supported by the housing sector, which has increased 4.5% since 2016/17, while £4m was spent on training for tenants to help get people into work, with 8,000 receiving employability and skills development.
Housing associations in Wales delivered more than £23m of community regeneration projects in addition to providing homes last year.
These projects create cohesive communities, reduce inequality and provide opportunities for tenants, demonstrating the commitment of the housing sector to deliver against our Housing Horizons vision of a Wales where good housing is a basic right for all.
“Housing associations in Wales delivered more than £23m of community regeneration projects in addition to providing homes last year”
As we continue to work towards the next three-year Corporate Plan at Community Housing Cymru, leadership and skills have come to the fore of many focus groups and discussions, demonstrating the willingness of the sector to grow.
We are confident that housing associations will continue to deliver the homes Wales needs, and contribute substantially to the Welsh government’s 20,000 homes target by 2021, as agreed in our affordable housing pact.
Over the next year, we will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Welsh government and local government to achieve our goals.
The ongoing review of affordable housing supply in Wales provides an opportunity to ensure that we create a policy environment which allows housing associations to deliver on their ambitions.
Clarissa Corbisiero-Peters, director of policy, Community Housing Cymru
