Ellie Ames 05 September 2024

Significant funding needed for Wales to ‘get close’ to housing pledge

Significant funding needed for Wales to ‘get close’ to housing pledge image
Image: Jevanto Productions / Shutterstock.com

The Welsh Government is unlikely to deliver on a pledge to build 20,000 low-carbon social homes for rent by 2026, according to a spending watchdog.

A new report by Audit Wales says that while 19,913 homes are set to be delivered or in the pipeline for delivery by March 2026, it is highly likely that some riskier pipeline schemes will not materialise in time or at all.

The watchdog estimated that between 15,860 and 16,670 homes would be delivered on time.

But the Welsh Government had already said it would count houses towards the target even if they were not new or low carbon, and has sought to offset slow progress by acquiring existing properties.

Between £580m and £740m of extra funding is needed to 'get close' to the pledge, Audit Wales has estimated.

Auditor general Adrian Crompton said the Government faced difficult choices about its funding and approach if it remained committed to the target.

The Welsh Government said it would consider the watchdog's report and respond ‘in due course’.

A spokesperson said: ‘There are a range of factors impacting housing supply, not least the recent sustained period of record inflationary pressures, which has made achieving the target even more challenging.

‘We continue to work with the housing sector to deliver more homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Housing Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £48.50 per hour
Principal Housing Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council Epping, Essex£37.82 PAYE / £48.50 Umbrella Full-Time, Temporary 36 Hours per Week Closing Da England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Mobile Library Supervisor (HGV Class 2 Driver)

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Mobile Library Supervisor (HGV Class 2 Driver)Fixed Term, Part Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Practice Development (Adult Social Care)

City of York Council
City of York Council
Recuriter: City of York Council

Head of Service, Operations (Adult Social Care)

City of York Council
£60,662 to £68,265 plus reviewable market supplement up to £79,480 alongside an attractive benefits package and relocation support.
York is at an important point in the development of our Adult Social Care services. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of York Council

Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Team Manager

Essex County Council
£550.0000 - £600.0000 per day
Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Team Manager - Harlow District CouncilHarlow District CouncilTemporary, Full Time£550.00 - £600.00 per day/umbrellaL England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner