July 13, 2026 - 233 views
The Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering 20,000 additional social homes by 2030, as it says urgent action is needed to tackle homelessness, affordability and the shortage of suitable housing.
Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian MS said a safe and affordable home should be available to everyone in Wales, describing housing as the foundation for people’s health, wellbeing, education and employment.
She said the target would focus on homes for social rent and intermediate rent where affordability is protected for the long term.
The commitment comes as communities across North Wales continue to face significant housing challenges, including rising demand for affordable homes, pressure on private rents and concerns over the availability of housing for local people.
The Welsh Government says the target will include both newly built social homes and properties brought into the social housing sector through acquisitions, with local authorities, housing associations and community groups expected to play a key role in delivery.
Siân Gwenllian said: “There is an immediate need for homes across Wales. It is therefore essential that partners are equipped to respond to this urgency, including through the appropriate use of acquisitions.”
The four-year delivery period will run from April 2026 to March 2030, with progress measured through official affordable housing statistics.
The Minister said all homes included in the target must meet required quality and energy efficiency standards, helping reduce fuel costs for residents while supporting Wales’ wider climate ambitions.
Housing pressures have been particularly acute in parts of North Wales, where councils have highlighted the impact of homelessness, a shortage of affordable rented properties and difficulties for younger people trying to remain in their communities.
Councils including Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Denbighshire and Flintshire have been working with housing associations to increase affordable housing supply, while also exploring ways to bring empty properties back into use.
The Welsh Government says it will also continue work following recommendations from the Affordable Housing Taskforce and establish Unnos, an organisation intended to help remove barriers that have slowed housing delivery.
The Minister also announced plans to simplify planning processes, including measures aimed at making it easier to convert empty buildings on high streets and spaces above shops into homes.
The Welsh Government says these changes could help create more affordable housing while supporting the regeneration of town centres across Wales.
However, housing campaigners and local leaders have previously warned that increasing supply alone will not solve the housing crisis, with concerns also raised about second homes, holiday lets, affordability and ensuring new developments meet the needs of local communities.
The Welsh Government says its focus will be on creating homes that remain affordable and available to communities for generations to come.
