A new approach to grant funding, improvements to housing quality standards, a 5 year rent policy and new affordable homes to be near zero carbon are some of the recommendations of the Independent Review of Affordable Housing Supply, published today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
They are also recommending the creation of an arms-length body to act as a hub for public sector land management and professional services.
The panel engaged extensively with people from across the housing sector, as well as with tenants and their representatives. The review looks at many aspects of affordable housing and its recommendations are designed to increase the delivery of affordable homes, and improve the analysis of local housing need in communities across Wales.
Lynn Pamment chaired the Independent Review of Affordable Housing Supply. She said:
We have put the needs of tenants and affordability at the heart of our recommendations.
This review offers Wales a unique opportunity to make ground-breaking improvements to the supply and quality of affordable housing, recommending longer-term certainty for local authorities and housing associations, whilst balancing the continuing pressures on the public spending available to support house building.
Importantly, it also offers flexibility and a greater level of self-determination for ambitious organisations.
I am grateful to all of the Panel members and to the housing sector for their productive input into this work. I hope this report will play a significant part in efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in Wales.
Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said:
I want to thank Lynn and the panel for their constructive work. I will consider this report carefully as we look to build on our ambitions to dramatically increase affordable housing in Wales.