Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing
Following the recent conflict between Israel and Iran in June, the UK Government arranged assisted departures to evacuate British nationals residing in Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip or East Jerusalem via chartered flights. The UK Government intends to disapply the Habitual Residence Test (HRT) to those arriving in the UK from affected areas for six months, with effect from 17 July. This exemption will allow access to welfare benefits and housing support immediately upon arrival.
However, this temporary exemption is not yet reflected in the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”). The proposed amendment aims to align housing eligibility rules with welfare provisions, ensuring consistency in support for those affected. This is necessary in order to provide support to the people fleeing the violence and conflict, and afford them an opportunity to seek housing or homelessness assistance in Wales without undue delay.
I have therefore today laid the draft Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (“the draft Regulations”) so that the 2014 Regulations are amended to achieve this aim. We need to make these changes to legislation as soon as possible, to prepare for those who have returned to the UK.
Due to the urgency of the situation, I have taken the decision to accelerate this process and on 11 July I wrote to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to inform them of my intention to seek the suspending of the Senedd’s Standing Orders in order for a debate to be held on 15 July.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee and Members of the Senedd for their support on this urgent issue.