Will the Minister provide further information and a timescale for the development of the Programme for Government’s national scheme, which restricts rent to local housing allowance levels for families and young people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness?
Building on the success of the pathfinder PRS Leasing Scheme, we intend to launch a national scheme, provisionally called Leasing Scheme Wales. The national scheme will provide those at risk of homelessness or actually homeless with affordable and good quality accommodation in the Private Rented Sector. These tenants’ rent will be set at Local Housing Allowance rates, and they will be able to stay in the property for the full term of the lease agreed between the local authority and property owner. Property owners who wish to place their property on the scheme must do so for at least five years.
In addition to offering incentives to improve property standards, the scheme will offer tenants tailored support.
My officials are currently in discussion with all Welsh local authorities regarding the scheme. Officials are working towards concluding discussions by the autumn, for a launch before the end of the calendar year. Once discussions have been concluded I will be able to provide a more definitive timeframe.