HBF urges next Welsh government to act on housing

The Home Builders Federation has stated the industry’s asks of the Welsh government, including a plea to deliver more homes, through its blueprint for the nation’s next administration.

With the Welsh public voting for its next government in May and housing and planning in the region devolved from the UK government, HBF said the election presented a “significant opportunity for home builders”.

It is urging the Welsh government to create “a more favourable policy environment for home building”, with private housing delivery in Wales reaching an “all-time low”.

HBF pointed out that the housebuilding industry not only provided energy-efficient new homes, but also affordable housing and investment in vital infrastructure for local communities, including schools, transport links and open spaces.

In its asks, HBF and the industry are calling on the next Welsh government to:

Deliver more homes

1. Set a national all-tenure target for housing delivery
2. Support SME home builders with an urgent package of planning reforms
3. Inject additional funding into public bodies involved in the planning process
4. Issue standard templates for legal agreements, such as section 106, to reduce inconsistencies and delays
5. Implement the recommendations of the Welsh government’s sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) …