Affordable homes policy reviewed

AN INDEPENDENT review of affordable housing in Wales has been announced by the Welsh Government.

Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans said the review will examine whether more can be done to increase the supply of affordable housing in Wales and how to maximise the resources available.

It will be chaired by Lynn Pamment, Cardiff senior partner and government and public services lead at PwC.

Ms Evans AM said: “We have made a clear commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes during this term of government. I want this review to ensure we are getting the best value for money in our investments and policy, including how we plan for a zero-carbon future and the way in which the sector operates.

“We know that many more people in Wales want to access affordable housing. The sector in Wales has called on us to look at our policy, and we want to work closely with all stakeholders involved in housing supply to ensure we are building as many homes as possible.

“Lynn Pamment has a great deal of experience in working with the public and private sector on financing projects, and I look forward to reading the results of her review next year.”

Among the issues the review will examine is the scope for increasing match-funding to build more affordable homes. It will also look at how councils work with housing associations and whether it is feasible to build zero-carbon homes.

The standards governing affordable housing will also be looked at, as will the possibility of a sustainable rent policy that will allow both long-term affordability for tenants and viability of existing and new housing developments.

Matt Dicks, director of the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru, said: “We welcome today’s announcement of a review into housing policy in Wales. It rightly looks at what kind of homes we need in the future and how we can sustain longer-term investment whilst maintaining the affordability of our housing.”