Item 20 on our agenda this afternoon is the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. I call on the Minister for Housing and Local Government to move the motion. Julie James.

Motion NDM7641 Rebecca Evans

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1. Approves that the draft The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 23 February 2021.

Motion moved.

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) Regulations 2014, or the 2014 regulations, make it possible for persons who are subject to immigration control to be able to apply for housing accommodation and for housing assistance. We have made the draft Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 to add a further class of persons, those with stateless leave to remain in the UK, to be given eligibility to housing and housing assistance. I hope that Members will welcome the amendment to the 2014 regulations, as it will ensure that housing legislation in Wales is consistent with the commitments the United Kingdom has made through the 1954 United Nations convention relating to the status of stateless persons. This requires signatories of the convention to provide stateless people with access to housing on terms that are not less favourable than those accorded to aliens generally in the same circumstances—for example, people who have been granted asylum.

Similar changes have recently been made across the rest of the UK. The amended regulations will address this situation in relation to housing and housing assistance and remove potential discrimination. I do not expect the amendments to result in an increase in demand for housing and housing assistance; within Wales, there could be little or no demand on public services, due to the uncommon nature of statelessness. However, those who are stateless, living precarious lives, should know that, if they come to Wales and choose to make it their home, they will find it a welcoming place, a place where they can find safety and security for as long as they wish to stay. The draft regulations will help us achieve this goal. I therefore hope that all Members will support the motion for this debate and the regulations.

Thank you. I have no speakers for the debate, therefore the proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order 12.36, the motion is agreed.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

In accordance with Standing Order 12.24, again, unless a Member objects, the four motions under items 21 to item 24, the environment and climate change regulations of 2021, will be grouped for debate but with separate votes. I don't see any objections to that. No.