Senedd row over missed target for social housing

WALES' housing minister has been accused of "celebrating failure" after confirming the Welsh Government will miss a target to build 20,000 social homes.

- CHRIS HAINES

Labour's manifesto for the 2021 Senedd election pledged to "deliver 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent" one of six key commitments to the nation before polling day.

But in a statement to the Senedd on Tuesday, Jayne Bryant said the Welsh Government was forecasting 18,652 low-carbon homes for rent by the May 2026 deadline.

The housing secretary faced cross-party criticism, with Plaid Cymru accusing ministers of focusing on interpreting data in a "fanciful way" rather than tackling a deepening crisis.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives suggested the official figures were "inflated", with properties added that are "not new-builds, not low-carbon and not for social rent".

Joel James, the Tory shadow housing secretary, raised an Audit Wales report which called for a longer-term approach to planning and funding beyond the five-year target.

He highlighted warnings from the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru that this year's budget falls well short of what is needed to achieve the 20,000 aim.

His Conservative colleague Mark Isherwood accused the Welsh Government of dismissing warnings of a looming housing crisis for decades.