The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, , delivered the keynote speech
at the first day of the annual Community Housing Cymru
conference, focussing on working with the sector to deliver more
homes, recognising the key role of frontline workers and ending
homelessness in Wales.
The two-day conference is a chance to network, build
relationships and focus on the ambitions of the social housing
sector in Wales.
The Cabinet Secretary said: “I am proud to be responsible for an
area that is of such importance to the people of Wales and our
future generations.
“Access to good quality housing unlocks opportunities in so many
other areas. Investing in social housing reduces poverty,
improves health and helps drive economic growth.
“Good quality affordable housing can provide opportunities for
every individual and family, positively impacting upon health,
mental health, and education outcomes.”
The Welsh Government continues to take a ‘no one left out'
approach to homelessness and in the last 12
months there have been more than 18,000 placements into
temporary accommodation.
These large numbers reflect the ongoing pressures within the
system and the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on
individuals and households.
One person sleeping rough or a family without a place to call
home is too many and the Cabinet Secretary plans to introduce
legislation this Senedd term to help transform services
and focus on prevention and rapid rehousing.
The Cabinet Secretary also took a moment to recognise the key
role of frontline workers in delivering support for vulnerable
tenants: “The homelessness workforce is doing heroic work, day
in, day out, often working in very challenging circumstances to
help some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“Their efforts will be pivotal if we are to deliver on our
commitment to end homelessness.
“I am extremely grateful to them for everything they do, and I
know that we all genuinely value their work.”
The speech emphasised the need for a rent policy that works for
Wales, ensuring that registered social landlords can remain
financially resilient whilst delivering rents that are affordable
for the thousands of tenants still struggling to meet the cost of
living.
There will be a consultation on policy proposals for a new social
rent policy next summer.
The Cabinet Secretary concluded: “Our aim must be to do all we
can to ensure that everyone in Wales can be assured of a place to
call their home both now and in the future.
“I am confident that, with your support, we can accomplish these
shared goals.”
