Climate change
This issue of Welsh Housing Quarterly looks back at a year of welfare reform and forward to a year of change for housing and regeneration… and more welfare reform.
The run-up to TAI 2014 seems like an appropriate time to reflect on the theme that dominated last year’s conference. What was billed as a perfect storm but now seems more like a case of climate change: a fundamental shift in the conditions under which landlords and tenants have to live.
Our special feature on welfare reform looks at ways we’ve been forced to adapt to wave of cuts that hit in April 2013 and ways in which we’ve been able to mitigate against the impacts. Communications campaigns, discretionary housing payments and food projects have all become part of the collective effort to make the best of the resources we have. So too have successful appeals against the bedroom tax to first tier tribunals.
However, there are limits to what can be done. Uncertainty remains for the financing of supported accommodation. Disabled people in specially adapted homes face particular problems with the bedroom tax at potentially huge cost to the public purse. And the cuts that continue to accumulate mean that the climate change will be with us for years to come. So too will perhaps the biggest welfare reform of all – universal credit – and we also look at the demonstration project direct payment on Torfaen.
This issue of WHQ also looks at a series of other issues that are high on the agenda.
Robin Staines explains the thinking behind the recommendations of the Housing Supply Task Force on how to deliver more new homes in Wales and we feature some examples of innovative new thinking from around the country.
The Williams Commission on public service governance and delivery will shape the
institutional environment for housing and regeneration for years to come. Kellie Beirne and Shayne Hembrow outline what they see as the implications.
The role that housing can play in tackling domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour was the theme of a conference in Cardiff in February. Julie Nicholas looks back at an inspirational day.
Empty Homes Wales is a year old following its launch at TAI 2013. Michala Rudman explains progress so far and the next steps in bringing empties back into use.
And, back with this year’s TAI, we have articles from the three Rising Stars Cymru finalists on what they see as the key opportunities and challenges ahead.
That plus much more besides from all our regular contributors make this a busy conference issue of WHQ. Hope to see you at TAI.
Jules Birch
Editor, WHQ