Private Rental Costs 2023-04-19
2023-04-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Rising costs in the private rental sector are affecting tenants across Wales, leading to affordability issues.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of rising private rental costs on renters in Wales? In England, there have been commitments to tackle issues like improving standards and banning no-fault evictions. However, rental issues in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Government.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of topics. Rental issues in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions about rising private rental costs impact on renters
Rental Issues In Wales Are A Matter For The Welsh Government
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Low quality, expensive private rented accommodation is a widespread issue in the UK. There is a deficit of housing in many areas.
Does he agree that we need more council housing built to a high standard, and will he join me in praising Flintshire County Council for its excellent programme of council house building? That would be an example to the rest of the country, but we need more investment in this area overall.
North Wales certainly has a deficit of housing, as do many other areas. In 2021-22 there were three new homes built in England per 1,000 and just 1.7 per 1,000 in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support for council house building programs or investment commitment
North Wales Certainly Has A Deficit Of Housing
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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According to Rent Smart Wales, the number of registered landlords and available properties has decreased in Wales.
Does my hon. Friend agree that a significant cause of the current worrying state of the private rental market in Wales is the new legislation introduced by the Welsh Government? Does he also agree with Councillor David Daniels that the new law was the straw that broke the camel's back?
The right hon. Friend is perfectly right to raise this issue. The Renting Homes (Wales) Act may be well intentioned, but there is a shortage of housing and if we want to keep landlords in the market we need to incentivise them.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or action regarding the law's impact on rental availability
The Fact That There Is A Shortage Of Housing
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Private rental costs in Wales have increased by 4.2% annually, the highest since the Tories came to power.
The local housing allowance rates were raised to the 30th percentile in 2020 but does not account for current high inflation rates. Can he explain why this policy is not adjusted for inflation?
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the local housing allowance rates were raised to the 30th percentile in 2020 and there is also support through the discretionary housing payment scheme, and additional cost of living pressures support has been provided.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or explanation for not adjusting local housing allowance for inflation
The Hon. Gentleman Will Be Aware That There Are Various Support Schemes
Response accuracy