Written question WQ86146

Social tenants in Wales are already protected from rent increases over the winter. Social rents are set annually, with the next change in social rents not due until April 2023.

The UK government’s freeze on local housing allowance means most people and families receiving Local Housing Allowance rates face a gap between the rates and their rent. This increases the risk of homelessness as it becomes more and more difficult for people to keep up with paying rent on top of covering essentials such as food and bills.

Acting on rents in Wales, without a full picture of the potential impact, could lead to us making the wrong interventions and have negative unintended consequences.

We are committed to publishing a White Paper this government term on new approaches to affordable rents for local people on local incomes, and a right to adequate housing – this forms part of the Cooperation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.

We will develop a robust evidence base to inform the White Paper and have commissioned research on rent control as a first step to better understand the potential impacts and consequences of any measures.