Lee Waters, known for implementing Wales’ 20mph speed limit, has been enlisted by the Welsh Government to assist in achieving its target of constructing more homes. The announcement was made by Julie James, appointed as the “minister for delivery” in Eluned Morgan’s cabinet, who disclosed that Mr. Waters would be returning to provide additional support. Despite opting to step away from a cabinet position with Vaughan Gething’s administration, Mr. Waters continued in this capacity when Eluned Morgan assumed the role of First Minister. His new role involves collaborating with housing minister Jane Bryant to realise the goal of establishing 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent. However, it is worth noting that this figure may encompass existing homes that are not environmentally sustainable. The progress report indicates that by the conclusion of 2023-24, less than half of the 20,000 social homes had been completed.
Auditor General for Wales, Adrian Compton, emphasised that if the government intends to fulfil its commitment to reaching or closely approaching the 20,000 social homes target by March 2026, significant funding adjustments and strategic decisions will be imperative. Estimations suggest the Welsh Government may require an additional £580 million to £740 million in capital, beyond current budgetary assumptions. The official announcement of Mr. Waters’ new role was disclosed by Ms. James during a recent segment on Politics Wales. She expressed that Mr. Waters would conduct an in-depth analysis of each planning application in Wales relating to upcoming housing projects, working closely with local authorities in coordination with her and the cabinet secretary. Ms. James highlighted the necessity of meticulous planning down to the site level, attributing this thoroughness as crucial for successful execution.
The specifics of Mr. Waters’ responsibilities were raised by Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies in the Senedd, prompting the First Minister to clarify that discussions regarding his precise role were ongoing and would be finalised in the coming weeks. Emphasising the time-sensitive nature of the housing initiative, Ms. James acknowledged the challenges encountered due to the pandemic and financial constraints. She stressed the significant allocation of £1.4 billion towards social housing during this term, underscoring the critical role it plays in averting future homelessness.
In response to queries regarding the urgency of fulfilling the manifesto commitment within a limited timeframe, Mr. Davies scrutinised the government’s capacity to allocate the necessary resources promptly. Highlighting the evolving nature of Mr. Waters’ role, from impeding to expediting planning processes, Mr. Davies underscored the apparent contradiction in strategies employed. As the Welsh Government navigates these challenges, the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, including Mr. Waters, are poised to play a pivotal role in driving progress towards achieving housing targets.
The critical collaboration between Lee Waters and the Welsh Government signifies a proactive approach towards addressing the pressing need for additional social housing in Wales. By leveraging Mr. Waters’ expertise and strategic insights, alongside concerted efforts from relevant government officials, the ambitious target of constructing 20,000 low-carbon social homes for rent stands poised for advancement and eventual realisation.