The Welsh Government has discussed how it can improve the nation’s current housing situation and end homelessness.
With a high number of people currently living in temporary accommodation, the delivery of additional social housing is a priority for the Welsh Government – as outlined by the First Minister’s target of delivering a further 20,000 homes. This target is being supported by the commitment of record funding, as more than £1.4 billion has been invested into this project so far.
Despite this major target, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has also outlined other ways that the homelessness can be tackled. In a speech to the Senedd, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said:
“We know that investing in social housing reduces poverty, improves health and helps drive economic growth.
“Good quality affordable housing can provide opportunities for every individual and family, positively impacting upon health, mental health and education outcomes.
“Our ambition to end homelessness in Wales cannot be achieved unless we have sufficient supply of suitable homes that people can afford to live well in alongside early intervention, prevention and support systems.”
Plans are also being finalized for an Affordable Homes Taskforce to be established, with this identifying how the Welsh Government can support the delivery of affordable housing by addressing planning, land supply and modular housing.
Commenting on the work that the Welsh Government has already made, the Bryant added:
“Our investment is paying off, the sector is responding positively and social home delivery rates are increasing to some of the highest rates ever recorded.
“Whilst I comment the work of the sector to ramp up their building programmes it is right that we are being challenged to do more, deliver faster.”
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