Welsh Government
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New powers key to meeting housing needs of Wales
The proposed LCO has been agreed by UK Cabinet and is now introduced in the National Assembly for Wales for Assembly Members to scrutinise it.
Ms Davies said:
“I am delighted to lay this LCO in the National Assembly. Housing is an area which is largely devolved to Wales, but one where the National Assembly has no powers to legislate.
“The Welsh Assembly Government should have a role in deciding what legislation is needed to address the housing needs of Wales. We want to be able to propose legislation for Wales in relation to two themes: social housing and meeting the housing needs of vulnerable people. These are areas where the Welsh Ministers have extensive powers but the National Assembly has no powers to legislate at present.“
The proposals will enable the National Assembly to consider legislating through Assembly Measures in a way that best reflect the needs of and circumstances arising in Wales. Solutions for Wales will be made in Wales.
Gaining these powers for the National Assembly means that the Welsh Assembly Government will be able to propose legislation on its One Wales ambitions for example in the areas of Right To Buy, homelessness and second homes.
The LCO brings together a sensible package of powers relating to social housing and meeting the housing needs of vulnerable people. This will, in turn, enable the Welsh Assembly Government to take forward a more rounded approach in developing and delivering policy.
The competence within the LCO covers:
- Regulation of social landlords
- Disposals by social landlords
- Social Housing Tenancies
- Homelessness
- Housing allocations
- Housing-related support
- The provision of Gypsy and Traveller sites
- Empty homes and Council Tax for second homes
