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Housing in Wales: Evidence for Welsh Government 2021-26

As we await the elections in Wales this new paper sets out evidence-informed priorities for the incoming Welsh Government. Drawing on evidence produced in the last three years, the paper builds a case for policy ideas which are worthy of further consideration by the new Welsh Government after the election in May.

Identified are 12 key priority areas:

  • Issues of housing affordability across different tenures, understanding the relationships between costs and incomes and the interface with welfare.
  • Ensuring existing and new homes are fit for the future, in terms of space and quality.
  • Understanding the housing system and how to engage with it to ensure different voices are heard.
  • Developing a better understanding of housing needs and demand in Wales at different spatial scales.
  • Recognising the importance of housing at a strategic policy level.
  • Consideration of the powers Wales has and what powers it might benefit from to deliver suitable housing provision.
  • Research to inform tackling homelessness through both short-term (preventative measures) and long term (ending priority need) solutions.
  • Funding arrangements for supported accommodation.
  • Developing an effective planning system that delivers suitable housing and places where people want to live, ensuring that local people are involved in policy making processes.
  • The links between housing and health: making the case for spending on housing to achieve health benefits.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of housing related support.
  • Improving the quality of datasets (and sharing of data).

The new Welsh Government will face difficult choices and there will be continuing resource constraints, yet the COVID-19 pandemic helps us identify  pressing housing challenges in Wales. We put forward a strong case for housing to be considered as a system which focuses on the relationships between the different elements of the system and can provide a valuable tool of analysis to facilitate policy change.

Housing in Scotland: Evidence for Scottish Government 2021-26 was also published ahead of the Scottish elections, outlining key priorities.

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Date: April 26, 2021 7:30 am

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