6. Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of affordable housing in mid Wales? OAQ53836

I detect a theme developing in today's questions, Llywydd.

Yes, of course. The provision of affordable housing in mid Wales is a priority, as is building more affordable homes across all parts of Wales. I recognise that supply is not currently meeting demand. Stock-retaining local authorities, such as Powys, and housing associations have a key role to play in bringing stock forward.

Thank you, Minister. There was certainly no co-ordination in terms of the theme. But, certainly, housing association tenants have contacted me in numbers in recent months in regard to what they see as the unaffordable levels of their rent going forward. The rent rises are within Welsh Government guidelines. That's an issue that I've written to you about, and, as I understand it, it allows for a minimum rise of inflation plus 1.5 per cent, and £2 per week. What more are you doing to ensure that rental rates are not so expensive for those who are often on low incomes, and what consideration have you given to introducing a value-for-money assessment, such as what occurs in England to give tenants the confidence that any rental increase is justified?

Yes, we're currently looking at the rent policy for Wales, so I will be announcing a new rent policy for Wales once we've completed that review. The Member rightly says there are a range of factors in play. One is social justice for the people paying the rent. The other is the fact that the landlords who we wish to build the much-needed social houses use the rent, obviously, as a way to fund the borrowing that they need to get the capital to build more houses. So, it's a nice balance between the two. The review is looking at all aspects of rent policy, including the social justice arrangements. The Member will know that I won't be able to let this go without saying that he also could play his part in looking to get his Government to change some of the regulations in universal credit that are driving some of the issues that he outlined in his question.