Julie James, Minister for Climate Change
In March I committed to opening a new support scheme for those facing significant financial hardship as a result of fire safety issues in high and medium rise residential buildings. Today I am providing information to leaseholders on the scheme, including how they can apply.
The Leaseholder Support Scheme will provide tailored, independent advice to leaseholders in affected homes. It is targeted at leaseholders who are owner occupiers and those who have become displaced residents. Applications will be monitored and the eligibility criteria kept under review to ensure that the scheme can be accessed by those who need it most.
All leaseholders eligible for this scheme will receive advice from an Independent Financial Adviser, with the costs fully covered by the Welsh Government.
The advice will support the leaseholder in making the right choices for them and their individual circumstances. If the sale of their property is the right route, the Welsh Government will enable them to sell their property at a fair market value, but it has to be the right solution for the household.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the external partners and sector experts who have assisted us in developing this scheme at pace. Their support and hard work have been critical to establishing the right qualifying criteria and support processes.
Full guidance on the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, will be available from 10 am today on the Welsh Government website.
The Leaseholder Support Scheme is just one part of the action this government is taking in respect of building safety - I will be providing an update to members on the floor of the Senedd tomorrow.