Section: Legislation
Housing (Wales) Bill - Update
Posted 04.04.14
The Housing (Wales) Bill is currently at Stage 2 in its passage through the National Assembly for Wales.
The key purposes of the Bill are to:
- Introduce a compulsory registration and a 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; and
- Assist the provision of housing by Co-operative Housing Associations.
An explanation of the various stages of Assembly Bills can be accessed via this link.
