Welsh Government’s White Paper on Adequate housing, Fair rents and affordability.
Have Your Say: A Chance to Shape the Future of Housing in Wales
As single parents, we know all too well the importance of having a safe, affordable, and secure home for your family. It’s not just about four walls and a roof; it’s about stability, comfort, and creating a place where you and your children can thrive. The Welsh Government have released a White Paper on Adequate Housing, Fair Rents, and Affordability. A White Paper is a policy document that sets out proposals for future legislation. The voices of single parents must be heard to shape the law.
The White Paper outlines ambitious proposals to ensure everyone in Wales has access to an adequate home. This includes measures to:
Define what “adequate housing” means in Wales, including affordability, habitability, and accessibility.
Improve housing quality in the private rented sector (PRS) by enforcing clear habitability standards.
Collect better data on rents to tackle affordability issues.
Support renters with pets and make renting more accessible for families.
Place duties on public bodies to prioritise housing needs.
The consultation, open until 31 January 2025, invites everyone to share their thoughts on these proposals. This is your chance to influence decisions that will affect housing policies for years to come.
Why Should Single Parents Get Involved?
As a single parent, you bring a unique perspective to housing issues. You understand how critical it is to have a home that is:
Affordable: One income! Balancing childcare, work, utilities etc often leaves little room for high housing costs. Your input can help shape fair rent policies.
Safe and Suitable: Families need homes that are secure and in good condition, with enough space for children to grow and play. Single parent families should be safe from discrimination.
Stable: Frequent moves or insecure tenancies disrupt children’s education and emotional well-being. The proposals aim to strengthen tenant protections.
Your voice can ensure the government understands the specific challenges faced by single-parent households.
How Can You Get Involved?
Getting involved is easy and doesn’t require any special knowledge of policy or law.
Here’s how you can have your say:
1. Respond to the Consultation Questions:
The White Paper asks questions on topics like affordability, habitability, and tenant protections. Share your experiences and ideas. Your lived experience is valuable.
2. Attend Welsh Government Event:
We are working with TPAS Cymru and WG to host the following event for private rented sector tenants:
Thursday 16 th January, 18:00-20:30 (buffet included)
Radisson Blu Hotel, Meridian Gate, Bute Terrace, Cardiff CF10 2FL
You can register here or use the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-white-paper-on-adequate-housing-fair-rents-and-affordability-tickets-1115646240939?aff=oddtdtcreator
3. Spread the Word:
Encourage other single parents and families in your community to participate. The more voices the government hears, the better the policies will reflect real needs.
Key Questions You Can Answer:
What does an “adequate” home mean to you and your family?
What barriers have you faced in finding affordable, secure housing?
How should landlords be held accountable for maintaining habitable
properties?
What measures could make renting more family-friendly?
Why Your Voice Matters
Policies are only as strong as the voices shaping them. By sharing your perspective, you can help ensure that housing policies reflect the realities of single-parent households. Together, we can push for fairer rents, better protections, and housing solutions that work for all families.
Take Action Today
The consultation is open until 31 January 2025, but there’s no time like the present to make your voice heard. Visit the Welsh Government’s website to read more about the White Paper and submit your response.
Your voice can make a difference. Let’s work together to ensure every family in Wales has a home they can be proud of.