Homes CAN be allocated on ability to speak Welsh

...BUT IT CAN'T TAKE PRIORITY OVER HOMELESSNESS

- By DALE SPRIDGEON

THE ability to speak Welsh can be considered when allocating social housing but it can’t override statutory requirements such as being homeless.

The Welsh Language Commission said "no linguistic consideration" could overrule the statutory requirements of the Housing Act.

The response comes after the Trefor and Llanaelhaearn Community Council said it would back plans for a "fully affordable" housing estate in a Gwynedd coastal village, but only if it's reserved for people who are "able to speak Welsh".

As part of its justification, the community council said the Commissioner had received a legal opinion "which states unequivocally that it would not be illegal to make 'able to speak Welsh' a condition for the letting of social housing".