3. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: The Innovative Housing Programme — Year 3

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:52 pm on 24 September 2019.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 3:52, 24 September 2019

Thank you for your statement, Minister. The need to address Wales's desperate need for housing, particularly affordable housing, whilst at the same time tackling climate change, is crucial, which is why schemes such as the innovative housing programme are so important, because a lack of affordable housing impacts upon so many lives and our communities. So, I welcome this latest update on the IHP scheme.

The fact that so many low to zero-carbon homes are being built is great news. Our ability to mitigate climate change relies upon reducing the energy required to build and run a home. So, schemes such as the one in Ruthin not only help us address our climate emergency, but also help to reduce fuel poverty.

However, whilst all these schemes are welcome, they are a drop in the ocean compared with the challenges that we face. We need tens of thousands of new affordable homes. These schemes all seem to address the energy needs, but not really the scale of the housing that is needed. But, I acknowledge that we have to start somewhere. So, Minister, Cardiff University demonstrated energy positive housing with the Solcer house four or five years ago. How many of the schemes coming through the IHP scheme are building upon the findings of the Solcer house?

Modular housing has the potential to quickly address housing shortages, and with the use of innovative materials made from recycled products, they even have the potential to remove carbon from our atmosphere and use zero carbon over their occupation. Minister, does the IHP give any weight to modular housing schemes? And if not, would you consider investing in modular housing projects in future years? Modular housing is fast to install and could be key to addressing our housing crisis.

Finally, Minister, if we are to address homelessness, we have to build housing for the homeless. Have any schemes come forward that address the particular needs of our ex-service personnel, who are a large percentage of those who end up rough-sleeping? Thank you very much.