Government projected to fall 1,600 homes short of 20,000-home goal
Social housing organisations in Wales have expressed concern in response to the government’s affordable housing provision data for 2024/26.
The Senedd has a target to build an additional 20,000 low-carbon social rented homes between 2021 and May 2026, but the latest figures forecast that this number will only reach 18,652 by the deadline.
However, Jane Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said the government is “expected to deliver a further 1,652 units by the end of 2026, bringing the total to 20,304”.
To date, 13,399 homes have been delivered towards the target, which leaves around half a year to build the remaining 6,601 units.
During 2024-25, the government completed 3,643 affordable dwellings. Despite this being a 12% increase on the year before and the highest total since records began in 2007, it means that the rate of delivery will likely prevent it from achieving its goal.
CIH Cymru director Matt Dicks said: “Whilst the additional affordable homes delivered in 2024/25 are welcomed we need to increase the pace and scale of this delivery.
”Based on research by Shelter Cymru at current delivery rates it is estimated that it will take 35 years-to clear the social housing waiting list in Wales.”
He called on the government to prioritise housing by enshrining the right of adequate housing into Welsh legislation in order to “increase investment [and] overcome the barriers to development.”
Meanwhile, Clarissa Corbisero, deputy chief executive for Community Housing Cymru, a membership body of around 30 Welsh housing associations, said that despite delivering 79% more affordable homes than at the start of the Senedd term, “there is more to do.”
She said: “Housing associations are delivering 74% all new affordable homes. Today’s data shows that, alongside continued political ambition and commitment in the next Senedd term, the housing sector is ready and able to deliver so that everyone in Wales has a safe and affordable place to call home.”
No comments yet