Welsh Government leasing scheme brings affordable housing to Wrexham
Welsh Government leasing scheme brings affordable housing to Wrexham
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The Welsh Government’s Leasing Scheme Wales is helping tackle homelessness, boost affordable housing, and bring empty properties back into use across the country, with Wrexham highlighted as a leading example of its impact.
The initiative, now running in all 22 local authorities, offers landlords and owners of empty homes the chance to lease their properties to councils for periods of between five and 20 years. In return, local authorities manage the properties and guarantee rent, while tenants gain access to high-quality, affordable accommodation.
According to Welsh Government figures, 430 properties have been signed up to the scheme across Wales to date.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, visited Wrexham to see first-hand how the programme is delivering for landlords, tenants, and the wider community. She met with local landlords Deri and Julie Rowlands, who have leased multiple properties through the scheme, turning unused housing stock into homes for local residents.
One of those residents is tenant Eddie Parsons, who said the property has allowed him to maintain shared custody of his child, an example, the Cabinet Secretary said, of the difference the scheme can make to family life.
“Wrexham is an excellent example of how the Welsh Government’s Leasing Scheme Wales is not only providing housing, but stability and the opportunity for families to stay together,” said Jayne Bryant. “This is exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched the programme.
“We know that empty homes are a wasted resource in our communities and this scheme is a fantastic way of increasing the number of affordable homes, and I look forward to seeing even more property owners and landlords signing up soon.”
Under the scheme, properties are upgraded to meet quality standards before being let to tenants in housing need, including those moving on from temporary accommodation. The model is designed to help prevent homelessness, improve housing conditions, and give landlords a guaranteed, long-term return.
Councillor David A Bithell, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change, said the collaboration between local authorities and the Welsh Government was key to the scheme’s success.
“The leasing scheme is a fantastic way to bring empty homes back into use, providing an important boost to local communities, landlords and tenants,” he said. “The scheme is having a positive impact in Wrexham and it’s a great example of how local councils and Welsh Government are working together to improve access to homes.”
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