9. Short Debate: Valleys housing — A heritage worth investing in

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:12 pm on 9 May 2018.

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Photo of Hefin David Hefin David Labour 7:12, 9 May 2018

I had no idea what I was going to say until I'd heard what David Melding had to say. And what a wonderful, evocative and living picture that you've presented of my home community. I went to school in Heolddu in Bargoed and would walk up the side of the mountain to the school at the top of the mountain and see these wonderful terraced houses. I've talked about Bargoed, but also Penpedairheol, the village I grew up in, Gilfach, and also Senghenydd and Abertridwr also have these wonderful houses. I worry about Senghenydd and Abertridwr particularly, as being tucked away, away from the main area of work. My dream would be to see people travelling north again to work, whereas now they travel south. I want to see that economic regeneration you talk about, which is why the Valleys taskforce is so important. And also I have to add a critique a little of the Welsh Government strategy of a five-year housing land supply at all costs, settling the demand side without considering enough need. And the area that you talked about, David Melding, is that area of need. That's where we need to build houses, where we need to see our small firms growing and building houses, so that we can break this cartel that the big four housing companies have. And I think that is why we find it difficult to deliver the kind of housing that you're talking about now. I want to see that, and more power to you, and what a lovely speech.