9. Short Debate: The power of co-operative housing solutions in helping to meet housing needs in communities across Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:03 pm on 23 October 2019.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 7:03, 23 October 2019

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and it's a real pleasure to have the opportunity to talk about the role that co-operative and community-led housing can have in meeting the housing needs of our communities here in Wales. All types of community-led housing, including co-operative housing, can empower Welsh citizens and provide locally driven housing solutions for local communities. I've had the real pleasure of visiting Merthyr Valleys Homes. They've got some really innovative stuff going on, and I was offered the chance to speak to any resident I fancied chatting to over the most delicious cakes and tea, and they were all universal in saying that they loved it. So, you can't really have a much better accolade than that. 

Our top priority is social housing, and I've been very clear here in the Chamber about my commitment to building more social homes in Wales. I know it's a passion we share across the Chamber, and we know that it provides not only quality homes, but the support needed to ensure people can sustain their tenancies and thrive. It positively impacts on health, mental health and education. But we know from the latest housing need figures that we are not building enough social homes. Community-led housing can, and should be part, therefore, of the solution. We know the interest in the sector is not growing as much as we would like here in Wales, and I'm really open to hearing ideas from Members about how we can better generate growth in the sector.