Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Private Rental Costs

Wednesday 19 April 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions cover a range of topics including rental issues, but such issues in Wales are the responsibility of the Welsh Government.
  • The Secretary of State acknowledged the housing deficit in Wales, noting lower rates of new home construction compared to England.
  • The Renting Homes (Wales) Act was cited as potentially contributing to the challenges in the private rental market in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Tami Lab Alyn and Deeside
Housing Wales
Context

Rising costs in the private rental sector are affecting tenants across Wales, leading to affordability issues.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions about rising private rental costs impact on renters

How: Rental Issues In Wales Are A Matter For The Welsh Government

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Q2 Mark Tami Lab Alyn and Deeside
Housing
Context

Low quality, expensive private rented accommodation is a widespread issue in the UK. There is a deficit of housing in many areas.

Question

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.

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for council house building programs or investment commitment

How: North Wales Certainly Has A Deficit Of Housing

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Q3 David Jones Con
Housing Wales
Context

According to Rent Smart Wales, the number of registered landlords and available properties has decreased in Wales.

Question

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?

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or action regarding the law's impact on rental availability

How: The Fact That There Is A Shortage Of Housing

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Q4 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Economy Housing
Context

Private rental costs in Wales have increased by 4.2% annually, the highest since the Tories came to power.

Question

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?

Answer from James Davies

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or explanation for not adjusting local housing allowance for inflation

How: The Hon. Gentleman Will Be Aware That There Are Various Support Schemes

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