§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he proposes concerning the need for homes to rent in rural Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristWe are encouraging local authorities to make the best use of their housing stock through good housing management practice. Authorities are also encouraged to work together with housing associations to provide homes for rent in rural Wales. Furthermore the rural initiative launched by Housing for Wales last year has brought forward a number of pilot projects involving the provision of rented homes. Two research projects have been commissioned by Housing for Wales to establish the overall level of housing need in rural areas which will assist the accurate targeting of its resources. In addition, Housing for Wales has been asked to maintain significant investment in rural housing at around £25 million in the context of its overall programme.