Questions to the Minister for Housing and Local Government

QNR – in the Senedd on 10 March 2021.

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Photo of Angela Burns Angela Burns Conservative

(Translated) What plans are in place to ensure that local authorities will not be adversely affected financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

We have made available over £660 million through the local government hardship fund to support local authorities in the pandemic in the current financial year. We announced a further £206 million as part of the final budget for the continuation of this fund in 2021-22.

Photo of Mark Reckless Mark Reckless Conservative

(Translated) What discussions has the Minister had with the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd on the impact that the tax paid when buying residential properties is having on the Welsh housing stock?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

I speak regularly to my colleagues across the Cabinet. Land transaction tax raises revenue to support crucial public services in Wales. The most recent temporary threshold change provided support to homebuyers, additional support for social housing, and did not apply to those buying second homes or buy to let properties.

Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on the building of council houses in Wales?

Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour

I am delighted to say each of the 11 councils with retained housing stock have plans to build new council homes. Discussions show councils are starting to accelerate the rate of house building and plan to build around 1,800 homes during the next two years.