Review must build a 'one housing system' approach

Today the Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Rebecca Evans has announced a review into housing policy in Wales.

The review is intending to look at how to further investment in the sector; increase the effectiveness of partnerships working to boost housing supply; explore delivering zero-carbon homes by 2020 using innovative construction methods; advise on any changes to standards and the design of affordable homes; look at rent policy and ensure it’s fit for the future; explore how local authorities can increase their ability to build homes at the scale needed.

Matthew Dicks  |  Director of CIH Cymru

We welcome today’s announcement into a review of housing policy in Wales. The review is focussed on housing development which we feel is sensible given the 1-year lifespan of this work. There is clearly a recognition of the role local authorities can increasingly play in boosting the supply of affordable homes and the standards homes should meet to be fit for the future.

As the work-plan is drawn-up we believe it is vital to consider:

• The need to create a cohesive one housing system approach that focuses on delivering the right mix of homes - it should not just be an exercise in numbers
• continuing to be ambitious in the standards and quality we want to see in our homes both now and in the future
• placing affordability at the heart of the review and ensuring that the impact on people’s lives is at the forefront of discussions

This review cannot be an exercise in isolation and should show an awareness of the developments in education, health, social care, public protection and economic development if we are to see true progress that connects services in the right way.