Section: Legislation
Housing Bill Marks Further Devolution in Wales
Posted 19.11.11
Carl Sargeant, Minister for Housing and Regeneration at the Welsh Assembly, has introduced the Housing (Wales) Bill - marking further progress of devolution in Wales.
The key purposes of the Bill are to:
- Introduce a compulsory registration and licensing scheme for private rented sector landlords and letting and management agents.
- Reform homelessness law, including placing a stronger duty on local authorities to prevent homelessness and allowing them to use suitable accommodation in the private sector.
- Place a duty on local authorities to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers where a need has been identified.
- Introduce standards for local authorities on rents, service charges and quality of accommodation.
- Reform the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy system.
- Give local authorities the power to charge 50% more than the standard rate of Council Tax on homes that have been empty for a year or more.
- Assist the provision of housing by Co-operative Housing Associations.
The Bill will now progress through four stages of the National Assembly for Wales legislative process. It is currently at the first stage, which involves consideration by the Communities, Equalities and Local Government Committee.
