New Housing Bill Unveiled To Tackle Unscrupulous Landlords

Mark Drakeford AM has welcomed a new housing bill that will tackle unscrupulous landlords and family homelessness.

The wide-ranging legislation will make a difference to thousands of people across Cardiff West who are currently struggling with housing difficulties.

The bill includes:

• Plans to enable Cardiff Council to charge a higher rate of council tax on empty homes.

• The introduction of a mandatory licensing scheme with added accreditation for all landlords and letting agents in the private rented sector.

• A stronger duty on local authorities to prevent homelessness.

• New standards for quality of accommodation for local authority and housing association properties.

Welsh Labour’s Housing Minister Carl Sargeant said: “The Welsh Government is determined to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to do all it can to meet housing need.

“This Bill is very welcome as it will make a significant contribution to this Government’s priority of delivering more homes, better homes and better services across Wales.”