Edwina Hart’s three priorities – affordable housing, homelessness and reaching the Welsh Housing Quality Standard

Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration addressed delegates at Tai 2005, and in particular commented on the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. She stated that the debate surrounding it has been characterised by ‘mutual frustration and minimal progress in many areas’. Local Authorities with robust business plans and clear proposals to meet the Welsh Hosuing Quality Standard in consultation with tenants can expect the full support of the Minister and the Assmbly more widely. However, the Minister was clear that there is ‘no 4th option’ and futher delay ‘will not be tolerated’.

The Minister also commented on affordable housing provision in Wales, stating that housing projections for 1001-2021 predict a slight increase of supply over demand which she felt ‘puts the situation in Wales in prespective’.

The Minister also voiced her concern over the rising levels of homelesness and in partciular use of inappropriate Bed & Breakfast as temporary accomodation.

‘Action on Housing in Wales’ Report
TAI 2005 also marked the launch of CIH Cymru’s report titled ‘Action on Housing in Wales’. The report states that as a nation, Wales is facing the biggest housing challenges for a generation. There is a shortage of affordable housing, many of our existing homes are well below standard and a growing number of people in Wales are officially homeless.

The report calls for a review and renewal of the Assembly’s national housing strategy, Better Homes for People.

Upon launching ‘Action on Housing in Wales’ Keith Edwards, CIH Cymru Director said:

“Our central message is about the need to concentrate on the connection between strategy and delivery. We’ve been weak on linking the two together up until now. We need a new national housing plan to make it all happen for housing and regeneration in Wales.”

Click here to download the ‘Action on Housing in Wales’ report

New Welsh Housing Quarterly website
Also launched to co-incide with TAI 2005 is the newly designed and populated Welsh Housing Quarterly website. Welsh Housing Quarterly (WHQ) is the only independent housing and regeneration magazine for and about Wales. All articles contained within WHQ will be available to read directly from the website, although you will need to be a subscriber to access most of the content. In particular the website contains a very comprehensive links section on housing and regeneration.

Click here to visit the Welsh Housing Quarterly website