Strong Welsh budget for housing would help the Welsh Government meet their target to deliver an extra 20,000 affordable homes over the lifetime of this government.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Addressing a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) conference in Cardiff Carl Sargeant said the £1.3bn allocated over the term of this government in support of housing priorities would help him deliver a more ambitious housing agenda over the next five years.
The Communities Secretary also welcomed the latest statistics which confirmed that the Welsh Government exceeded its target of 10,000 additional affordable homes in the last Assembly.
The statistics also showed that in 2015-16, local authorities reported 2,400 additional affordable housing units had been delivered across Wales, an increase of 8 per cent on the previous year.
Welsh Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) continued to make the largest contribution to additional affordable housing in Wales, delivering 94 per cent of all additional affordable housing provision during 2015-16.
Carl Sargeant told the conference that partnership working has been key to the Welsh Government’s success in meeting the 10,000 home target and is fundamental to its approach going forward.
Carl Sargeant said:
"The Housing Supply Pact between Welsh Government and Community Housing Cymru played a crucial role in meeting the 10,000 affordable homes target in the last term of government. Talks are at an advanced stage to establish another pact for this term, and we are also involving the WLGA in that process to make it even stronger."
The Communities Secretary said he also recognised the importance of the private sector in delivering new homes.
"I want to strengthen the relationship with the private sector and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues through initiatives such as the House Builders Engagement Programme, so together we can tackle barriers to housing supply across Wales," he said.
Carl Sargeant added that work is already underway to abolish the Right to Buy and the Right to Acquire.
"It is important that we retain our existing social housing stock. This will enable us to provide even more safe, secure and affordable housing, and contribute to achieving a more prosperous and fairer Wales. The legislation will also enable housing associations and councils to invest with confidence in building new homes," he said.