Written question WQ86246

1,232 new homes were started between April and June 2022; 27% less than started during the same period in 2019. The number of new dwellings completed between April and June 2022 is 1,591; broadly the same as the number completed between April and June 2019 (1,596).

Both starts and completions will be influenced by quarterly fluctuations including the timing of starts and completions on large sites. The latest full annual new housing building statistics for 2021-22, show the number of new dwellings started increased by 31% to 5,639 compared to 2020-21, with completions also up 14%.

The provision of social housing is my priority, as reflected by the Government’s commitment to deliver 20,000 new low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector this government term. In recognition of this commitment, I have set record levels of investment through the Social Housing Grant: £300m for this current year with indicative draft budget allocations of £330m in 2023-24 and £325m in 2024-25.

We need to build more of all types of housing which is why support for market housing remains an important part of the housing solution. I especially want to support small and medium sized house builders to play a larger role in delivering the homes we need in Wales. The Wales Property Development and Wales Stalled Sites Funds offer loan finance to SME house builders for housing development. In 2021-22, we allocated an additional £15 million to these funds, bringing the total funding provided to £117 million. This investment supports a revolving fund available to support housing development on an ongoing basis.