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Politics

End of the line for Right to Buy?

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Carl Sargeant: Social housing ‘under considerable pressure’

NEW LEGISLATION which will abolish one of the most controversial policies of the 1980s was introduced in the National Assembly this week.

The Right to Buy legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher in 1980, though individual councils could sell properties to tenants prior to this.

While some credited the policy, which was one of the bedrocks of the Thatcher administrations, with raising money for public finances, and giving people their only opportunity to own a home, it was also criticised for creating a shortage of affordable rented property and artificially inflating the housing market. It led to the sale of 139,000 Local Authority-owned houses in Wales – around 45% of the available stock – since 1980.

In enacting this Bill, Wales will follow from Scotland, who banned Right to Buy in 2016.

The Bill will provide for the Right to Buy, the Preserved Right to Buy and the Right to Acquire for tenants of local authorities and registered social landlords to be abolished after a period of at least one year following Royal Assent.

In introducing the Bill, the Welsh Government aims to protect the Welsh stock of social housing from further reduction, ensuring it is available to provide safe, secure and affordable housing for people who are unable to take advantage of the housing market to buy or rent a home.

To encourage the development of new social housing, the Bill, if passed by the Assembly, will provide that the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire will end for new homes two months after Royal Assent. This will help encourage social landlords to build new homes in the knowledge that they will not be at risk of being sold after only a relatively short period.

The Bill complements other actions being taken by the Welsh Government to increase the supply of housing.

Ahead of the Bill’s introduction, Communities Secretary Carl Sargeant said: “Our social housing is a valuable resource, but it is under considerable pressure. The size of the stock has declined significantly since 1980 when the Right to Buy was introduced. The number of sales is equivalent to 45% of the social housing stock in 1981. This has resulted in people in housing need, many of whom are vulnerable, waiting longer to access a home they can afford.

“The Bill supports the Welsh Government’s wider aims of a more prosperous and fairer Wales, helping to tackle poverty by protecting our stock of social housing from further reduction.

“I recognise the proposal affects existing tenants and we will ensure tenants are made aware of the effect of the Bill in good time before abolition takes place. The Bill will require the Welsh Government to publish information, which social landlords in turn must provide to every affected tenant, within two months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent.

“We have set an ambitious target of creating 20,000 affordable homes in this term of government. Alongside social housing this will include schemes such as Help to Buy and Rent to Own to enable people on modest incomes to own their own homes. We are supporting low cost home ownership and we are expanding the social housing stock. Abolishing the Right to Buy will complement these other actions we are taking in order to support people in housing need.”

Councillor Dyfed Edwards, the Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson for Housing, said: “At a time of acute shortages of social rented homes, and with many thousands of people currently on housing waiting lists, the proposal from the Welsh Government to abolish right to buy is a welcome step in tackling a growing problem in Wales. It is essential that people’s access is improved to good quality social rented housing in order to enhance people’s lives, and also to revitalise local communities”

The plans were backed by Plaid Cymru. A party spokesperson said: “We welcome the proposed move to scrap it altogether and regret that the Labour Welsh Government has taken so long to abolish this most Thatcherite of policies.”

However, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Welsh Conservatives were less enthusiastic about the proposal.

Party Housing Spokesman, David Melding AM , said: “The Welsh Government’s bid to end the right of social housing tenants to buy their homes begins its journey through the National Assembly for Wales today.

“Labour’s decision to revoke the Right to Buy in Wales will undermine social mobility, depriving thousands of families of an opportunity to get on the housing ladder for the first time.

“It’s easy for Welsh Government ministers to lecture, but this legislation will simply serve to deny hardworking families an opportunity to own their own homes.

“There is a severe shortage of affordable housing in Wales because Labour hasn’t built enough affordable homes, and not because council tenants have had a chance to buy theirs.

“The Right to Buy Scheme doesn’t deplete the housing stock, it empowers people to take a stake in the home in which they already live.”

News

Government to consider report on Welsh-speaking communities

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT says it has welcomed a new report examining how town and country planning impacts Welsh-speaking communities, with recommendations for strengthening policies to protect the language.

The Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities has published its findings on the challenges faced by the Welsh language. Evidence presented to the commission highlighted concerns from planning authorities and professional bodies, many of whom believe existing policies and guidelines need revision to better support Welsh-speaking areas.

The report outlines 14 recommendations, including the need to strengthen planning guidance and assess the impact of policies on the language. One key proposal calls for a framework to evaluate how planning applications affect the Welsh language in high-density Welsh-speaking areas, similar to assessments used for Special Areas of Conservation. The commission also recommends reinforcing Technical Advice Note 20 to provide clearer guidance on planning matters relevant to the Welsh language.

The Welsh Government will now review the report and respond to its findings in the coming months.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford, said: “I would like to thank the members of the commission for presenting this report, and the contributors who have shared their time and expertise. We will consider its findings and recommendations carefully.”

Dr Simon Brooks, Chair of the Commission, added: “Following thorough research, we have concluded that planning policies related to the Welsh language should be revised. Strengthening the role of the language within the planning system is crucial to securing its future as both a national and community language.”

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Kurtz Calls for greater defence investment in Wales amid NATO uncertainty

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SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has urged the Welsh Government to collaborate with the UK Government to boost defence spending in Wales, citing escalating global tensions and uncertainty surrounding the future of NATO.

His call follows recent remarks from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who suggested that UK forces could be deployed to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, potentially positioning British troops along the Russian border alongside other European forces to help maintain stability.

The urgency of Kurtz’s appeal is further reinforced by concerns over NATO’s long-term stability, with former US President Donald Trump recently questioning the level of US commitment to the alliance. Trump’s suggestion that NATO members failing to meet their defence spending obligations might not receive US protection has sparked alarm among European allies, with many now re-evaluating their military preparedness. The UK has already committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, but many believe that further investment is necessary, particularly in Wales, where defence infrastructure remains underfunded.

Speaking outside the Senedd, Kurtz said: “It is clear that many commentators are right: the UK is entering a pre-war era. It is our duty to ensure that our military personnel, whether in the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force, receive the full support they need and deserve.

“Wales has a proud military tradition and is home to key defence assets, including Castlemartin Firing Range, Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy, and Brecon Barracks, to name but a few. Despite this, Wales has historically received a disproportionately small share of defence investment.”

Kurtz warned that with the US potentially scaling back its NATO commitments, European nations, including the UK, must take greater responsibility for their own defence.

“In light of escalating global tensions and growing doubts over the future of NATO, the Welsh Labour Government must do all it can to secure increased defence funding for Wales. Strengthening our military infrastructure is not only vital for our national security but also for ensuring that our servicemen and women have the resources and backing they require.”

With NATO facing an uncertain future, and the UK reassessing its defence commitments, Kurtz’s call for greater investment in Wales is likely to gain traction among those concerned about both national security and regional economic benefits tied to military funding.

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Politics

Greyhound racing set to be banned as Welsh Government plans confirmed

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THE WELSH Government has announced plans for Wales to become the first nation in the UK to ban greyhound racing.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister, told the Senedd that a ban will come into force as soon as practicably possible.

He said: “There will be work to do in ensuring the dogs, their owners, and those involved in the industry around the racetrack, can wind down from this activity while still protecting the welfare of dogs currently within the industry, the local community and the local economy.”

In a statement on February 18, Mr Irranca-Davies pointed to cross-party support and a petition signed by more than 35,000 calling for a ban on greyhound racing.

Senedd Members from across the political divide supported a ban during a debate last week. Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach is the last remaining track in Wales.

Caerphilly MS Hefin David has called on the Welsh Government to consider the flood impact a ban could have if the greyhound track closed.

He said: “The track in Ystrad Mynach is on a flood plain and I understand that the owners have introduced flood mitigation, as well as clearing up following flooding.

“A ban would close the track, leaving derelict land on a flood plain adjacent to my constituency.

“Any implementation group planned by the Welsh Government must consider this and any financial commitment required to remediate the land.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs

In December, New Zealand – where the industry is worth £73m a year and employs 1,000 people – announced plans for a ban due to injuries and the deaths of dogs.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “We also note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity.

“As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales – we are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”

Mr Irranca-Davies explained the next step will be setting up an implementation group to advise the Welsh Government on how a ban will come into force.

He told the Senedd: “I’m pleased to share with the Senedd that I have seen the strength of feeling on this and I have listened.”

The Conservatives’ Peter Fox said his party’s members would have a free vote on the issue, with his colleague Andrew RT Davies warning greyhound racing could go underground.

Mr Fox added that he would visit the greyhound track to take a balanced view on the plans but he added: “I think the evidence is very, very powerful.”

Llyr Gruffydd welcomed the announcement, pledging Plaid Cymru’s support and questioning if it will be possible to pass legislation due to a mounting logjam before the 2026 election.

He said: “But you did say you wanted it to happen ‘as soon as possible’ and therein lies the small print, I suppose, because the government does need to show diligence and an adherence to proper process otherwise you leave yourself open to challenge.”

Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd
Plaid Cymru MS Llyr Gruffydd

Mr Gruffydd also stressed the need to consider the potential unintended consequences such as illicit, unregulated racing or dogs being raced across the border.

Mr Irranca-Davies agreed about the need to avoid the risk of jeopardising animal welfare, saying a clearer timetable will be set out in the spring.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas said: “There are well over 35,000 people who are pleased and relieved to hear this statement today, banning greyhound racing in Wales.”

Labour MS Carolyn Thomas
Labour MS Carolyn Thomas

Ms Thomas, who chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee and cross-party group on animal welfare, added: “I feel we’re really leading the way here…. This is a good day for thousands of animals in Wales and I’m so excited and so pleased to hear this.”

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds, who has a rescue greyhound called Wanda, said: “I have to say, there are not many times where I stand up in the Siambr and I’m smiling.

“But this is one of those days. This is a landmark statement, it does very clearly demonstrate the commitment that Wales has to looking after our animals.”

Ms Dodds, whose first rescue greyhound called Arthur died in 2023, paid tribute to the “Cut the Chase” coalition of charities for their campaigning on the issue.

Jane Dodds with Arthur, her late adopted greyhound
Jane Dodds with Arthur, her late adopted greyhound

She told the Senedd: “I also want to pay tribute to all those greyhounds who’ve gone before and all those who will come after as well.”

The Mid and West Wales Senedd member said Arthur was traumatised by his experiences. 

“I learned a lot from him,” she said. “He could sleep at 100 miles an hour but he was absolutely devastated by his experiences on the track.

“And we lost him three years later – far, far too early.”

Ms Dodds said: “Many of us have seen the trauma and the injuries … their suffering has been needless, their abuse has been unnecessary and their pain has been unavoidable.

“But, from today, we need to mark this in the sand and make sure that this stops.”

Mark Bird, chief executive of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, said: “This announcement has nothing to do with greyhound welfare and everything to do with pressure from the extreme animal rights movement.

“The Welsh Government’s own summary of consultation responses highlighted the lack of evidence to support the case for a ban on the sport. This summary made clear there has been a coordinated campaign against licensed greyhound racing, seeking to drown out the voice of local people including those whose livelihoods rely on the sport.

“Questions should be asked as to why, despite repeated requests, the minister has failed to meet with the industry in Wales, or its regulator, and preempted his own timeline to make this call.

“Meanwhile, the minister has engaged on numerous occasions with campaign groups known to use shock tactics and misleading information to achieve their ends.

“We have engaged in the consultation process in good faith as regulator for the sport, but this statement is hugely disappointing and will do absolutely nothing to support greyhound welfare.”

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