Five North Wales housing associations have called for greater investment in social housing and stronger financial support for tenants facing rising living costs.
Adra, Cartrefi Conwy, ClwydAlyn, Grŵp Cynefin and North Wales Housing joined Community Housing Cymru at Plaid Cymru’s conference in Llandudno to press for increased funding and a longer-term housing strategy.
Together, the associations provide 26,500 homes for 56,000 people. Over the past three years, they have invested £510 million in building 1,850 homes and £256 million in their existing stock.
In a joint statement, the five chief executives said: “Good housing is the catalyst for a number of key priority areas, including health, education, social care, economy and the Welsh language.”
They highlighted support with living costs, health and wellbeing, alongside training and employment opportunities.
Community Housing Cymru deputy chief executive Clarissa Corbisiero said there was growing concern for tenants’ welfare ahead of winter.
“Both Welsh and UK governments must strengthen household incomes and the social safety net, including improvements to Universal Credit, the Discretionary Assistance Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments,” she said.
“This must be accompanied by increased investment to increase the amount of social housing available.”
The appeal presents a funding test for Plaid’s housing ambitions. In his conference speech, first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth warned of difficult budget decisions, pointing to real-terms funding reductions, inflation and spending pressures.
For landlords, the question is how commitments to more social homes will translate into sustained investment while tenants need immediate help to keep their homes warm and affordable.