PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Housing Affordability - 2 September 2026 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Housing is a devolved matter in Wales, but we know that people are struggling with the affordability of everyday life. That is why easing the burden on the cost of living is our priority. We have taken immediate action by removing VAT from energy bills from 1 October, giving millions of households breathing space this winter.

I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. However, as the Minister is well aware, the Welsh Government have failed to meet their own 2021-26 social housing target. I wonder what lessons have been learned from that, and indeed from the Welsh Government’s introduction of curbs on second homes through the planning system. Surely this refreshed Government must be taking lessons from Wales and applying them across the UK as a whole.

I am sure that the hon. Member will agree that there are always lessons to be learned in this place, but we recognise that more needs to be done on second homes and short-term lets. The UK Government will consider a wide range of evidence on the issue, including learning from other parts of the UK. Affordable housing is of great importance to the Prime Minister. Just last week he announced where more than 70,000 social and affordable homes will be built across England over the next 10 years. This will be transformative, and I hope that the Plaid Government in Wales will follow through on their promise to build 20,000 new social homes in Wales by 2030.

The Prime Minister has promised to do all he can to end rough sleeping by offering everyone who needs it in England a route off the streets by Christmas. In Newport we have excellent charities such as Eden Gate, which I visited recently, working with the council’s outreach services, but they need more support. Does the Minister agree that the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government should follow Labour’s lead by making tackling homelessness a priority?

I completely agree with my hon. Friend. The Prime Minister’s announcement to give everyone a route off the streets by Christmas comes with a £442 million boost in funding and a landmark summit to bring everyone together to end rough sleeping. That will not only change the lives of those being given somewhere to sleep and a foundation to rebuild their lives but have huge benefits right across the country. I hope that the Plaid Government will follow suit and ensure that everyone in Wales has a roof over their head this Christmas.