AS Wales marks the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the 20mph speed limit on residential roads, the policy continues to stir controversy.

Initially rolled out by the Labour government with the intention of improving road safety, the reduced speed limit has faced both criticism and support from various quarters, with ongoing debate about its effectiveness and economic impact.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar has been vocal in her criticism of the policy, calling it a “disastrous 20mph rollout.” She emphasised that despite widespread public dissent, including the largest petition in the Senedd’s history and predictions of a £9 billion impact on the Welsh economy, the government has been reluctant to reconsider the policy. Asghar reiterated the Conservative stance: “Scrap the £33m scheme altogether, only have 20mph in high footfall areas and get Wales moving again.”

The policy has not only faced political opposition but also a significant public backlash. A petition against the default 20mph limit garnered nearly half a million signatures, highlighting the extent of dissatisfaction among the Welsh public. Additionally, there has been a reported rise in offences related to the new speed limit, with many motorists finding the varying speed limits confusing.

Labour’s Eluned Morgan has acknowledged the policy’s challenges, admitting that the blanket implementation of the 20mph speed limits had caused problems. She indicated that the government recognises that some roads may need to revert to 30mph, and a review is currently underway. The First Minister recently acknowledged that through roads with 20mph limits had been causing the most frustration among the public, and it is now up to local councils to address these concerns.

Lee Waters, the former transport minister who introduced the policy, defended it, stating that reduced speeds have led to fewer accidents and saved lives. However, he conceded that the rollout could have been better executed, citing insufficient public awareness and preparation for such a significant change.

Despite the criticisms, recent figures indicate a positive trend in road safety, with injuries on 20mph and 30mph roads falling by a third in the final quarter of last year. Furthermore, insurer esure reported a 20% drop in accidental damage claims from Welsh customers following the implementation of the 20mph limit, resulting in reduced insurance premiums for Welsh drivers. If this trend were applied across the UK, it could result in a significant economic benefit, with potential savings of approximately £50 per policy, amounting to £1.4 billion nationwide.

The introduction of the 20mph speed limit has also affected events such as the Junior Tour of Wales cycling race, which had to be shortened and rerouted due to the new speed regulations. This has prompted criticism from Conservative figures who argue that such policies should not negatively impact sporting events and other activities.

Natasha Asghar further commented on the need for a “common-sense approach” to active travel, highlighting that while promoting walking and cycling is important, the current strategy of pushing people out of cars through measures like the 20mph limit is not practical or effective.

The Welsh government’s decision to make 20mph the default speed limit in built-up areas has sparked a complex debate, balancing road safety against public opinion and economic concerns. With a review in progress and ongoing discussions, the future of the 20mph policy in Wales remains uncertain. Whether the government will make adjustments or hold firm in its commitment to reduced speed limits will likely continue to be a point of contention in Welsh politics.

THE Welsh Conservatives have forced a vote in the Senedd, urging the UK Government to reverse its decision to end universal winter fuel payments. This move comes amidst growing concern that the UK Labour Government’s policy change will have a severe impact on pensioners across Wales. Approximately 400,000 Welsh households, including 540,000 pensioners, are expected to miss out on payments of up to £300 this winter.

Jane Hutt MS, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Culture, Trefnydd, and Chief Whip, outlined the potential consequences of this decision in response to a written question by Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies MS. Hutt emphasised that the withdrawal of the universal winter fuel payments could push some pensioners into fuel poverty, raising alarms about the wellbeing of Wales’ elderly population.

In the Senedd session on 18th July 2024, the Welsh Conservatives tabled a motion calling on the UK Government to reconsider its stance on the universal winter fuel payment. Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd (MSs) are set to vote on this motion, which could determine whether the payment scheme will be reinstated.

Ahead of the debate, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, urged Labour MSs to prioritise the interests of their constituents over party allegiance. “This debate is a chance for Labour MSs to show that they have the courage to put their constituents’ interests before their party interests,” Davies stated. “The Welsh Conservatives will not stop fighting to keep pensioners warm this winter.”

Joel James MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Partnership and Social Justice, echoed these sentiments, condemning the decision to scrap winter fuel payments. “Labour’s shameful decision to scrap winter fuel payments risks creating a fuel poverty crisis among pensioners in Wales,” he said. “In the Senedd this week, I look forward to bringing forward our Welsh Conservative debate calling on the UK Government to reverse their decision to end the universal winter fuel payment.”

The decision to cut winter fuel payments has also drawn criticism from Age Cymru. Chief Executive Victoria Lloyd expressed concern about the impact on vulnerable pensioners. “Age Cymru firmly believe that cutting the winter fuel payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong decision,” Lloyd stated. “People have been sharing with us how they’ll struggle this winter without the winter fuel payment. We have heard from people who have long-term health conditions who need to have a warm home and will need to cut back on food to ensure that their homes are warm.”

The motion submitted by the Welsh Conservatives reads:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Expresses deep concern that around 400,000 households in Wales will lose up to £300 per person after the UK Government’s decision to end the universal Winter Fuel Payment.
2. Notes the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip’s response to WQ93698 where she stated that the UK Government’s decision to end the Winter Fuel Payment will risk pushing some pensioners into fuel poverty.
3. Calls on the UK Government to reverse their decision to end the universal Winter Fuel Payment.

The outcome of this vote could significantly affect the financial stability and wellbeing of Welsh pensioners this winter.

A NEW report by leading planning and development consultancy Lichfields calls for a more comprehensive housing strategy in Wales.

Whilst efforts to increase the supply of low-carbon social housing are commendable, Lichfields’ analysis reveals that this narrow approach misses the larger picture.

The Welsh Government’s current focus on affordable housing alone will not solve the deepening housing crisis, which requires a more holistic strategy that addresses both supply and demand factors.

The report, titled “Affordable housing in Wales: Does more of less really mean more?” highlights that the key to improving housing affordability lies in expanding overall housing delivery, not just affordable homes.

It identifies several barriers to achieving the Welsh Government’s target of 20,000 low-carbon social housing homes by 2026. Current efforts, which focus too specifically on delivering subsidised rental homes, do not address the underlying shortage of total housing supply, which remains the primary contributor to the housing crisis. Lichfields’ analysis shows that expanding overall housing delivery would not only increase the supply of affordable homes but also enhance the viability of broader housing goals.

Rhiannon Harrop-Griffiths, a planner at Lichfields and co-author of the report, said: “Our findings show a need for a shift in strategy. By increasing the overall housing stock, the Welsh Government can both increase the stock of affordable housing and improve affordability across all sectors, making housing more accessible to a wider range of people.

“Simply focusing on low carbon social rent in isolation risks perpetuating the shortage of homes across all tenures. A more holistic approach that balances the need for social and affordable housing with private market housing would not only help meet the diverse needs of Welsh communities but also stimulate economic growth through job creation and rebalance communities where young families are excluded from the housing market.”

Key recommendations from the report include adopting a more robust methodology in identifying future need for both affordable and market housing, facilitating higher levels of private sector housing delivery in recognition of its role in providing affordable housing, and revising housing requirements in Local Development Plans to more accurately identify future levels of housing need. The report also calls for greater collaboration between public and private sectors to overcome viability challenges and support sustainable housing growth.

Gareth Williams, a Senior Director at Lichfields, added: “Our research shows that a restrictive definition of affordable housing and a lack of focus on broader housing delivery are hindering progress. By widening the scope to include different housing types and market dynamics, the Welsh Government can better balance supply and demand, ultimately alleviating pressure on the housing market.”

The full report can be downloaded and read here: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/affordable-housing-in-wales