NDM8764 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Housing and homelessness

NDM8764 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises that homelessness is currently at the highest level since 2015.

2. Regrets the failure of the Welsh Government to eradicate homelessness in Wales.

3. Notes concern that the Welsh Government’s 20,000 social homes target will be missed.

4. Recognises the importance of a housing first model to end homelessness.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) implement a housing first model and the right to adequate housing to end homelessness, working with the housing support sector in Wales;

b) turn Wales's empty properties back into homes by expanding the Help to Buy scheme to include those in need of renovation;

c) speed up the planning process by creating a joint action taskforce of planners to target the slowest performing local planning authorities, fast tracking applications for affordable housing developments; and

d) reduce social housing waiting lists by bringing empty homes back into use for social rent and rent-to-buy.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the latest Welsh Government statistics from 30 September 2024, which show that 11,363 individuals have been housed in temporary accommodation, alongside over 139,000 people on social housing waiting lists;

b) that the Welsh Government is not on track to achieve its target of providing 20,000 low-carbon homes for social rent by the end of this Senedd term; and

c) the Local Government and Housing Committee’s recommendation that at least 20 per cent of the housing stock should include social housing, and up to a third in the long term, with the Welsh Government to develop a strategy in order to achieve this target.

2. Believes:

a) that the housing crisis in Wales and across the UK was further exacerbated under Margaret Thatcher's government and the right-to-buy policy, cutting the council housing stock by almost half over the period of the policy; and

b) that the severe shortage of properties available to rent for low-income households covered by the local housing allowance is pushing people into housing insecurity and homelessness.

3. Regrets:

a) the increase in homelessness under the Welsh Government and successive UK Conservative Governments; and 

b) the adverse effect of austerity policies followed by the UK Conservative and Labour Governments, which have exacerbated housing inequality.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) increase the social housing grant;

b) raise the housing support grant;

c) determine a clear plan for carrying out the Local Government and Housing Committee’s recommendation to ensure that at least 20 per cent of the housing stock includes social housing by the next Senedd term, as part of a long-term strategy; and

d) incorporate the right to adequate housing into Welsh law.

5. Calls on the UK Government to ensure that local housing allowance rates reflect real rents within the private rented sector in Wales.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

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To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the current pressures in the homelessness system and the Welsh Government’s £220 million investment in homelessness prevention and support services this year.

2. Welcomes the ambitious and radical reform to homelessness legislation planned this Senedd term and set out in the White Paper on ending homelessness.

3. Recognises the record investment of £1.4 billion in social housing so far this Senedd term.

4. Recognises the role of the empty homes grant in bringing empty homes back into use.

5. Commends the partnership work that supports the delivery of the Welsh Government’s Housing First approach.

6. Welcomes the publication of, and encourages responses to, the Welsh Government’s White Paper on housing adequacy, fair rents and affordability.

White Paper on ending homelessness

Housing First Wales Principles

White Paper on Housing Adequacy, Fair Rents and Affordability