Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
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 Lee Waters 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.