Written Statement - Independent Panel for Affordable Housing Supply Review

On 23 April 2018, I announced that I have commissioned a review of affordable housing supply. To ensure that the review is fair, transparent and robust, I am establishing an independent panel to oversee this work. The panel, working under an independent Chair, will examine the approach we are currently taking, and recommend changes as it sees fit.  I expect the panel to report by the end of April 2019.

The Welsh Government has a longstanding commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes, and this commitment is central to Prosperity for All.  We have a target of building 20,000 new affordable homes over the course of this Assembly, but I want to lay the ground work for the prospect of setting even more stretching targets in the future, in response to a range of housing needs.  I also want Welsh Government to continue to create a climate which drives innovation and improvements in terms of design, quality and energy efficiency.  

I have already announced that Lynn Pamment, Cardiff office senior partner at PwC, will chair this group.  I can also now advise that the remaining panel members who I have asked to be part of this group - and who I am pleased to say have accepted - are:

• Dr Peter Williams – Academic attached to the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge and an independent consultant on housing and mortgage markets and housing policy

• Helen Collins – Savills, Head of Housing Consultancy

• Professor Kevin Morgan – Professor of Governance and Development and Dean of Engagement for Cardiff University

• Dr Roisin Willmott OBE FRTPI – Director for the Royal Town Planning Institute in Wales (RTPI Cymru)

• Phil Jenkins – Managing Director, Centrus

I am pleased that we have been able to assemble a panel which offers such a strong cross-section of skills and expertise across the breath of the areas being considered by the review.  The members bring real insight into housing supply issues and solutions both in Wales and other parts of the UK.  The panel also offers a deep understanding of the impact the housing sector has on the wider Welsh economy and of innovative methods of achieving even greater impact.  The review will also involve extensive engagement with all of the organisations currently involved in the delivery of affordable housing and I look forward to the debate which I hope will now surround this work.  

I will provide a further statement once the panel has met and the terms of the wide reaching consultation that will be undertaken by the review become clear.  The review will ensure we get the best value for money from our investments and have housing policies fit for the future, which support many more people in Wales to access the affordable housing they need.