MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Housing and Local Government
First published:
15 May 2025
Last updated:
15 May 2025
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I am pleased to have received the recommendations of the
Affordable Housing Taskforce, which was convened with the
purpose of accelerating the delivery of affordable homes for
social rent. I want to thank MS and members of the Taskforce for their commitment
and hard work in forming these recommendations.
The First Minister has been clear that delivering more social
homes for rent is one of this government's key priorities. That's
because social housing reduces poverty, improves health, and
boosts economic growth. We're driving this ambitious agenda
forward with record levels of delivery and investment – but I'm
determined to ensure no stone is left unturned.
The work of the Taskforce provides a valuable opportunity to do
more, faster. The Taskforce met regularly, engaging extensively
with the sector to bring these recommendations forward as quickly
as possible. Their work is a reminder that, across Wales, our
partners in delivery are eager to work collaboratively to unlock
barriers and deliver even more affordable homes for people across
Wales.
The number of recommendations made by the Taskforce is a reminder
that there is not one simple solution to expediting delivery.
Instead, there are a number of ways we can improve the system as
a whole, and we must do so. I will accept the recommendations
that fall to me and will speak to my Cabinet colleagues where
recommendations are within their responsibilities.
We must build on the momentum created by the work of the
Taskforce and drive change forward. I have instructed my
officials to establish an implementation group that includes
representatives from across the sector and I will announce the
membership of that group shortly. I will ask the group to report
back to me regularly on the progress they are making to evaluate
and implement the recommendations as quickly as possible.
I am publishing the final report alongside this
statement.
