Written question WQ85487

This government remains committed to increasing the supply of much needed homes in Wales. This is why we have set our challenging Programme for Government commitment to deliver 20,000 new low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector.

In 2020-21 we doubled the Social Housing Grant budget to £250m. We have also set record levels of funding through the budget in this current year (2022-23) with £300m and indicative budget allocations of £330m in 2023-24 and £325m in 2024-25.

Whilst our target focusses on social homes, we know there is a continued need for all types of housing in Wales. Our support for market housing remains an important part of our toolkit to ensure people and families have the home that is right for them. Schemes such as Help to Buy - Wales make an important contribution to the housing sector and are available across Wales. Since its launch in 2014, Help to Buy – Wales has successfully helped over 13,000 individuals and families to buy their new home. The scheme is also an important source of support for the housing industry and related supply chains.

A range of support is also provided for house builders including schemes specifically for SMEs. It recognises that small and medium sized house builders can and should play a larger role in delivering the homes we need. In 2021-22, we allocated £15m additional funding across the Wales Property Development and Wales Stalled Sites Funds, bringing their total funding to £54.5 million and £62.5 million respectively.