Affordable Housing Review - FAQs
Who’s commissioned the review?
The review has been commissioned by Rebecca Evans AM, the Minister for Housing and Regeneration.
What is the aim of the review?
The aim of the review is to examine whether more can be done to increase the supply of affordable housing in Wales, and to maximise the resources available. The Welsh Government has set a target of constructing 20,000 affordable homes by the end of the Assembly term in 2021. The Welsh Government are eager to continue their programme of affordable house building beyond 2021, setting even more stretching targets. In addition to constructing more affordable homes the Welsh Government are also eager to improve the design, quality and energy efficiency of new build houses in Wales.
What will the review focus on?
Specifically, the review will:
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Examine the scope for increasing matching sources of finance and the implications of that for grant intervention rates;
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Examine how partnership working is currently governed between local authorities and housing associations, and recommend how relationships can be maximised to deliver on housing supply ambitions;
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Evaluate the impact of moving to deliver zero carbon homes by 2020, including the role of off-site manufacture and modern methods of construction;
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Provide advice on whether there should be changes to the standards governing the design and quality of affordable housing;
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Make recommendations on how a sustainable rent policy can help determine long-term affordability for tenants and the viability of existing and new housing developments; and
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Advise on how the development capacity in Large Stock Voluntary Transfer housing associations and stock-holding local authorities can be maximised, especially after 2020 when all existing stock meets the Wales Housing Quality Standard.
Who will undertake the review?
On 11 May 2018, the Minister announced the membership of an independent panel that will oversee the review of affordable housing supply. The panel will be chaired by Lynn Pamment, Cardiff Senior Partner and Government and Public Services Lead at PwC. The other members of the panel, include:
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Dr Peter Williams – academic attached to the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge, and an independent consultant on housing and mortgage markets and housing policy;
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Helen Collins – Savills, Head of Housing Consultancy;
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Professor Kevin Morgan – Professor of Governance and Development and Dean of Engagement for Cardiff University;
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Dr Roisin Willmott – Director for the Royal Town Planning Institute in Wales; and
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Phil Jenkins – Managing Director, Centrus.
When will the review publish its findings?
It is expected that the Panel will publish its findings and recommendations by April 2019.