New Welsh minister for housing announced

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Cymru said it welcomed the appointment and looked forward to a “collaborative relationship working towards our shared ambition of providing a sustainable, safe and affordable home for everyone in Wales”.

Plaid Cymru has made several commitments when it comes to housing. The party wants to deliver at least 20,000 new social homes over the next Senedd term, alongside establishing a new national development body named Unnos to help with this aim. 

The party also promised to legislate for a ‘right to adequate housing’ in Wales, something that CIH Cymru has long called for.

Matt Dicks, national director of CIH Cymru, congratulated Ms Gwenllian on her appointment. 

He said: “We look forward to working constructively with her and with ministers across government to ensure housing is treated as a national priority. 

“The commitment to begin legislating for the right to adequate housing in Wales is a significant step, and one that must now be matched by pace, delivery and long-term ambition.”

Mr Dicks said housing policy is “fundamental to health, equality, economic resilience and community well-being”. 

He added: “If government is prepared to act decisively in its first 100 days and sustain that focus over the course of this Senedd term, there is a real opportunity to drive down housing need, reduce inequality and improve outcomes for people across Wales.

“Embedding the right to adequate housing in law can help create a Wales where housing is not a source of insecurity, but the foundation for a fairer, more equal and more resilient nation.”

Stuart Ropke, chief executive of Community Housing Cymru, which represents housing associations in Wales, said: “We look forward to working with the cabinet secretary and her government colleagues to deliver a clear, long-term plan to build more affordable homes and improve existing homes while creating healthier, fairer places for everyone. 

“Housing is Wales’ prevention infrastructure. Investing in homes means lower energy bills, better health, stronger communities and a more resilient economy.”