24 June 2008
The WLGA has welcomed a major report published today which outlines key recommendations to local authorities and their partners for increasing the number of affordable homes available across Wales and for easing considerable housing pressures.
Cllr Aled Roberts (Wrexham), WLGA Spokesperson for Housing (elect) said:
“Local authorities have an important strategic role in identifying the type of houses that are needed for local communities and in ensuring appropriate planning permissions are given. They are already working hard to secure a sizeable increase in the number of affordable homes across Wales and working closely with their public and private sector partners. However, with the demand for housing need in Wales far exceeding what is currently available, today’s report is a clear indicator of the scale of the challenge ahead and that more still needs to be done. Local authority resources will need to be utilised to best effect with tenants and prospective tenants’ needs put first. Also, in light of the ambitious Welsh Assembly Government target it is clear that more land needs to be made available to local authorities and therefore planning systems will need to be fully responsive and helpful.”
“Today’s report acknowledges the importance of local political support in ensuring there is progress and monitoring local housing need. Local authorities have hard choices to make at the local level in what is a tight public spending round but local communities can be assured that the provision of good quality and affordable housing will remain a top priority for local government in Wales.”
“The WLGA will be meeting with the Deputy Minister for Housing over the coming weeks to make a clear case for local government to play a key role in overseeing the implementation of many of the report’s recommendations and to discuss in further detail the challenges ahead and potential solutions.”
Notes to editor
The Welsh Assembly Government report contains a number of recommendations that relate to local authorities, either directly or by working in partnership with others, including housing associations and private developers that taken together, aim to ensure an increase in the number of affordable homes in Wales.
Cllr Aled Robert’s position as WLGA Spokesperson for Housing is subject to ratification at the WLGA AGM on Friday 27th June
Ends
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks