Influencing the Future of Housing in Wales

December 10, 2024

We are delighted to see Housing Justice Cymru’s evidence and recommendations cited in the recent Local Government and Housing Committee’s report on Social Housing Supply in Wales. This recognition underscores our role in championing land justice and promoting social and affordable housing as vital solutions to Wales’s housing crisis. 

At the heart of this issue is the need for a more strategic approach to land use and ownership, ensuring that every site is maximised to its fullest potential for the benefit of Welsh communities. Through our Faith in Affordable Housing Project, we’ve demonstrated how smaller, often overlooked sites can be transformed quality homes that align with the Welsh Government’s social housing targets, the social housing quality standards, and the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. The FiAH project not only provides much-needed homes but also enhances local communities by placing those homes near schools, transport links, and essential amenities. 

Our call for strategic land mapping and appraisal has been recognised as a necessary step forward. By identifying and unlocking the potential of publicly owned land, including community buildings like churches, we can work toward a more coordinated and equitable use of resources. This aligns with our ongoing collaboration with the Bevan Foundation to explore innovative solutions for land supply, including policy and legislative changes. 

Driving Change Through Land Justice 

The Social Housing Supply report is a testament to the unique perspective Housing Justice Cymru brings to the housing sector. To build on this momentum, we are committed to: 

  1. Publishing case studies and evidence-based reports that highlight the impact of our housing projects and our justice-focused approach to land acquisition, while continuing to provide actionable recommendations for future progress. 
  1. Engaging stakeholders through roundtables and workshops to explore strategic mapping and showcase the potential of locally driven housing solutions. 
  1. Creating accessible, multimedia content to inform and inspire policymakers, communities, and partners about the possibilities of land justice work. 

At Housing Justice Cymru, we believe that everyone deserves not just a home but a place to belong. By advocating for justice in land acquisition and affordable quality homes, we’re helping to shape a Wales where housing is a right, not a privilege.