CIH Cymru welcome new Welsh First Minister

CIH Cymru congratulates Rhun ap Iorwerth on his appointment as First Minister of Wales. We look forward to working with the First Minister and housing minister as they deliver on their manifesto pledges for housing - to deliver a housing system in Wales where everyone has the right to a safe home at a cost they can afford. 

Yet fundamental to this is delivering their previously outlined key housing asks for their first 100 days in government which include:

• Beginning the work of legislating for a Right to Adequate Housing
• Establishing Unnos a new national development body
• Reducing the complexity and bureaucracy of planning processes

This ambitious approach to housing, placing it at the heart of government policy, has the potential to drive lasting change across Wales, and help end the housing crisis. We also need to work together to support the housing workforce, alongside challenging and ending the stigma associated with social housing. 

Matt Dicks, national director of CIH Cymru said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Rhun ap Iorwerth on his election as First Minister of Wales. We look forward to building on our constructive relationship with Welsh Government and working closely with ministers in the months ahead to turn ambition into action on housing. 

“The commitment to begin legislating for the right to adequate housing in Wales is a significant and welcome step. It has the potential to place housing where it belongs: at the heart of government, public policy and national wellbeing. 

“A safe, suitable and affordable home is the foundation for good health, stronger communities and better life chances, and progress in housing will be critical to delivering a fairer Wales. 

“If this government is bold in its first 100 days and sustained in its commitment beyond that, Wales has a real opportunity to tackle the housing crisis, reduce inequality and improve lives. Enshrining the right to adequate housing can help create a Wales where everyone has enough to live on, where families can afford the essentials, where child poverty is driven down, and where everyone can access a safe, affordable and sustainable home.”