Written question WQ99897
- Asked by
- Francesca O'BrienReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What scrutiny arrangements does the Welsh Government have in place to monitor the performance of Rent Smart Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning (Siân Gwenllian)
Rent Smart Wales (RSW) operates within a clear legislative framework established by the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and is subject to ongoing Welsh Government oversight, performance monitoring and independent evaluation. It is delivered by Cardiff Council, which was designated by previous Welsh Ministers as the licensing authority for Wales and, therefore, is also subject to the Council’s governance, financial controls, audit arrangements and democratic scrutiny.
A range of mechanisms are in place through which Welsh Government actively maintains oversight of Rent Smart Wales’s performance and strategic direction, including the Rent Smart Wales Advisory Board, Operational Group, Stakeholder Group and the All-Wales Housing Expert Panel. These forums bring together Welsh Government, local authority representatives and wider stakeholders, ensuring robust strategic, operational, technical and financial scrutiny of the service.
In addition, the previous Welsh Government commissioned the independent Evaluation of Rent Smart Wales: final report, 2025, and continues to monitor delivery of the resulting action plan.
Scrutiny extends beyond formal governance arrangements. Welsh Government officials receive regular performance information covering registrations, licensing, complaints, training, enforcement activity and customer contact volumes, alongside routine engagement with senior Rent Smart Wales management to review performance, discuss emerging issues and ensure timely action where improvements are required. This provides a comprehensive framework of accountability and continuous performance monitoring.