CHC calls on Welsh Government to increase funding for affordable housing

Wales’ organisation which represents social housing landlords is calling on Welsh Government to increase funding for affordable housing in Tuesday’s draft Budget. (18 October)

Community Housing Cymru (CHC) says more money is needed if Ministers are to achieve their ambitious target of 20,000 new homes by 2021. The target came about after the Homes for Wales campaign in the run up to this year’s National Assembly elections. CHC and its partners called on the new Welsh Government to end the housing crisis and build a stronger Wales.

Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive of CHC, said: “Ministers responded to our plea to tackle the ever worsening housing crisis. Housing associations stand ready to support Welsh Government to build the homes we need and will use their expertise and resources to do this. They cannot however do this alone and it is vital that this work is properly funded.”

Welsh housing associations already have a track record in delivering on housing projects and worked closely with the previous administration which promised 10,000 new homes in the five years up to 2016.

Stuart Ropke added: “Since the 1980’s nearly all new social housing has been provided by housing associations who use housing grants alongside their own resources and private finance to build homes. This represents value for money for the tax payer and housing associations will continue to play a very important role in the plans of Welsh Government.Here is a chance for Wales to again lead the way in the UK and show that it is genuinely committed to helping the many thousands of people currently languishing on Welsh housing waiting lists.”