WIREDGOV

The Welsh Government and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) have signed a pact to increase housing supply and maximise the local jobs and training opportunities created by the construction industry in Wales.

Welsh house building has seen strong, sustained growth in recent years, with statistics released just last week showing during April-June 2015, a total of 1,750 new homes were built – a rise of ten per cent on the same quarter last year.

The pact seeks to build on this good work, helping ensure housing supply meets growing demand and making the most of the community benefit opportunities created by local investment. It also sets out the Welsh Government’s commitment to extend the successful Help to Buy - Wales scheme, which is providing a boost for buyers and builders alike; make more public sector land available for private investment; and cut unnecessary red tape.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the pact at The Quays, Barry Waterfront development, Minister with responsibility for housing, Lesley Griffiths, said yesterday:

"Confidence has returned to the housing industry in Wales, with large annual increases in both new developments started and new homes built. This is good news and demonstrates the impact Welsh Government policies are having through schemes such as Help to Buy – Wales, which has already supported the construction and sale of 1,976 properties.

"I am determined to see this momentum continue and believe there is still more we can do to continue delivering homes for people across Wales. The pact I have announced today has been developed in close partnership with the HBF and its members, and will help us achieve our priority of increasing housing supply."

As part of the pact, the HBF and its members commit to maximise the local jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities from construction work, provide detailed evidence to inform housing policy, and work with Housing Associations to deliver affordable housing as part of private estates.   

Mark Harris, HBF Planning and Policy advisor Wales said:

"Building the homes needed will provide all areas of Wales with significant social and economic benefits. If Government can introduce policies that create an environment within which house builders can operate, the industry will deliver the new homes required. Ensuring people can buy and that the planning system delivers enough land in the right places is key. The industry is committed to working closely with politicians to increase the provision of high quality new homes. The Pact builds on the relationship already developed between government and the house building industry as all parties look to play their part in ensuring the homes Wales needs get built."