Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
Housing Supply Pact between Welsh Government and the Home Builders Federation
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of private sector house building, not only in providing much needed homes, but also the wider economic benefits house building generates through job creation and a whole range of supply chain effects.
In recent years, the housing industry in Wales has seen a sustained recovery – with large annual increases in both new developments being started and new homes being built. This is good news and demonstrates the impact Welsh Government policy is having through schemes such as Help to Buy – Wales, which has already supported the construction and sale of 1,976 properties.
However, both the sector and the Welsh Government appreciate there is still more to do if we are to ensure housing supply meets our growing housing need.
As the Minister with responsibility for Housing, I have made clear, my priority is to increase housing supply and maximise the benefits from construction through local jobs and apprenticeships. The Pact I am setting out today will help deliver on this commitment. It has been developed in partnership with the sector, working closely with the Home Builders Federation.
The Pact sets out commitments from the Welsh Government and the Home Builders Federation.
The Welsh Government commits to:
- Actively engage with the industry to help shape future housing policy and identify the most important barriers to private housing supply in Wales.
- Extend the Help to Buy - Wales scheme.
- Progress the positive planning agenda.
- Work with Local Authorities to ensure every planning authority in Wales adopts a Local Development Plan.
- Identify and release more public sector land for private housing investment.
- Develop new policies to encourage growth in small to medium size builders.
- Share our findings on the pilot sprinkler projects and other changes to building control legislation.
- Explore and agree approaches to development viability at all stages of the planning process.
- Review the regulatory burden where possible to ensure Wales remains competitive.
The HBF and its members commit to:
- Working in partnership with the Welsh Government, Local Authorities and others to increase the supply of new homes in Wales.
- Maximise community benefits through local investment and other targeted opportunities, including increasing provision of apprenticeships and training schemes.
- Help develop the construction skills agenda.
- Provide detailed evidence to inform and shape new housing policy.
- Work with Housing Associations to deliver affordable housing as part of private estates.