Freezing Rents and Suspending Evictions

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Climate Change – in the Senedd at 2:01 pm on 21 September 2022.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 2:01, 21 September 2022

Okay, thank you. Earlier this month, the Scottish Government committed that they would be freezing rents and suspending evictions to help tenants through the cost-of-living crisis. This year, Wales has seen the highest increase in the cost of renting outside London, with rents up to an eye-watering 13.9 per cent increase, on average. This comes alongside rising fuel, energy and food prices, which are hitting people across Wales in the pocket. Does the Minister agree with me that Welsh Government could act as soon as possible to ensure that tenants are not pushed further, through evictions and rent increases? I understand that social housing rent is set on an annual basis, and if something could be done at least until the end of March next year to help them through winter, it would be really appreciated, just as the Scottish Government are doing.