A new housing bill that will tackle unscrupulous landlords and family homelessness has been hailed as a monumental step forward by a Labour AM.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said the wide-ranging legislation would make a difference to thousands of people across Caerphilly who are currently struggling with housing difficulties.
The bill includes:
- Plans to enable Caerphilly County Borough Council to charge a higher rate of council tax on empty homes.
- The introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme with added accreditation for all landlords and letting agents in the private rented sector.
- A stronger duty on local authorities to prevent homelessness.
- New standards for quality of accommodation for local authority and housing association properties.
Jeff Cuthbert AM said: “The new housing bill will make a difference to thousands of people across Caerphilly County Borough who are experiencing housing difficulties.
“Time and time again we hear horror stories of unscrupulous landlords ripping off tenants and a new licensing scheme will help combat that.
“Homelessness is something I desperately want to see eradicated and the Welsh Government is putting that at the very heart of this bill.
“We want to make sure everyone in Caerphilly County Borough has access to a decent affordable home and I am proud that Labour is doing everything possible to achieve that goal.”
Welsh Housing Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Welsh Government is determined to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to do all it can to meet housing need.
“This Bill is very welcome as it will make a significant contribution to this Government’s priority of delivering more homes, better homes and better services across Wales.”
