Propertymark backs Welsh Government’s housing plans

Propertymark backs Welsh Government’s housing plans

0:04 AM, 16th July 2024, About 3 months ago

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Propertymark has welcomed the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving housing in Wales.

Tim Thomas, the organisation’s policy and campaigns officer, said the organisation is pleased to see a focus on building safety and homelessness.

It had previously collaborated with the government on building safety and is hopeful the new Building Safety Bill will deliver better fire safety protections.

The organisation also supports the White Paper on Homelessness and its aim to help people stay in their homes.

Propertymark responded to the consultation in January to support the decision not to place a legal duty on private landlords to refer tenants at risk of homelessness to housing teams.

It is also urging local councils to work with estate agents and landlords to prevent homelessness.

Worked in partnership with the Welsh Government

Mr Thomas said: “We have worked in partnership with the Welsh Government on building safety, and we are pleased to see this work will pave the way for a Building Safety Bill which will cater to the specific building types within Wales and add greater protections against fire safety risks, beyond the remediation of cladding.

“We are equally pleased with the continued commitment to tackling homelessness in Wales.

“As a consultee of the White Paper on Homelessness, Propertymark is committed to continuing engagement with the Welsh Government to explore the best ways to support people to remain in their homes and prevent the experience of homelessness.”

Announced a Visitor Accommodation Bill

The Welsh Government also announced a Visitor Accommodation Bill which will introduce licensing for tourist accommodation.

There are also plans for a separate Bill to grant local councils the power to implement a visitor levy, a small charge on tourists to support sustainable tourism.

Julie James, the minister for climate change, said the Building Safety Bill is expected to be more comprehensive than the English Building Safety Act 2022.

It will include measures to reform the current regime and apply to all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales.

The Welsh Government also announced a future Bill to modernise planning in Wales, which it says is too complex.

Details of the planning Bill are yet to be revealed, but a report by the Competition and Markets Authority in February suggested streamlining the approval process and requiring a greater mix of housing types on large developments.


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