2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:33 pm on 10 May 2022.

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Photo of Hefin David Hefin David Labour 2:33, 10 May 2022

I'd like the Welsh Government to make a statement in the Chamber on the operational agreement of Rent Smart Wales. I've been dealing with them on matters of constituency casework, and I've found it to be a very frustrating experience. As an organisation, we've found them to be lacking in communication, transparency and any sense of urgency when trying to obtain an update on the outcome of a recent piece of casework regarding a constituent facing potentially unlawful eviction from a privately rented property. We were told that Rent Smart Wales couldn't disclose the outcome of the investigation to us, nor could it take any legal action against a landlord found to be in breach of their responsibilities. We've not been able since then to obtain any information for the constituent's benefit, despite trying our very best and advising the organisation that the constituent potentially faced imminent eviction. It just doesn't seem acceptable, and there doesn't seem to be a route by which we can scrutinise the activity of Rent Smart Wales, which is why I request a statement in this Chamber on their remit.