Welsh Government
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Welsh Assembly Government reveals its priorities in meeting the housing needs of the nation
Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies AM launched the National Housing Strategy for Wales for consultation at the Alway Regeneration Project in Newport. The Strategy sets out the Government’s long term vision for housing in Wales.
The Alway Community Centre forms an integral part of the regeneration of Alway that is being delivered by Newport City Council in partnership with Seren Group and Bellway Homes. The regeneration also includes 54 affordable homes for sale and rent, a multi-use games area, shops and police station.
Developed closely with partners across the sector, the Strategy not only addresses how we improve the bricks and mortar, but also provide wider health, social and economic benefits . This longer term approach will deliver more stable communities.
Ms Davies said:
Everybody in Wales has the right to live in good quality housing that suits their needs. Once achieved, it is the foundation for a good quality of life.
Housing is not just about bricks and mortar, but improving people’s lives. Future housing investment will be used to increase people’s chances in life; not just put a roof over their heads. Investment can provide local jobs; improve skills and training; raise standards and enhance their physical environment.
The key aims of the Strategy are to:
- Improve people’s quality of life and opportunities for the future
- Work across all sectors, public and private, Government and non-Government, to increase the number of homes available.
- Enable a wider range of housing options that meet people’s needs as their circumstances change
- Make homes more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.
Ms Davies said the current economic crisis, with its impact on housing in communities across the world, made the timing of this Strategy particularly important.
Ms Davies added:
The economic slowdown and credit crunch has had a big impact on the housing market. All those involved in providing homes need a clear direction so that they can respond flexibly and quickly.
As well as having a broad range of housing stock in the right places, we must make it possible for people to move between public and private sector housing as their needs change.
Ms Davies explained that housing needed to be fit for purpose and more energy efficient to reduce energy costs for occupants, and reduce greenhouse gases as part of the Assembly Government’s commitment to the environment.
The draft Strategy will be available for comment up until 1 May 2009, after which it will be finalised and issued, and an action plan developed for its delivery.
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