Proposed Affordable Housing LCO

Consultation Response: Carmarthenshire County Council.

I am responding to your consultation paper on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council.

We would agree on the general principle that legislative competence in Matter 11.1 be conferred on the Assembly, we see this as a natural extension of legislative powers currently held by the Assembly on housing matters, in relation to the right to buy/right to acquire.

The terms of the proposed order allow the Assembly the scope to deal with each area on its own merit which is fine, however written into this will need to be clear definitions and circumstances as to when the right to buy can be suspended. As Wales is generally regarded rural in character this could be difficult to address.

For example the reasons why suspension would be required in rural areas would be totally different to the pressures felt in urban areas, where there is a higher population density and differing demands on the stock.

Also the time limit of the assembly agreeing to suspend right to buy in areas of shortage is important, as well as the time taken in the lead up to any suspension.

Best practice and pubic consultation with our tenants has to be balanced with the reason why suspension will be requested to the assembly. What we need to be sure of is that by requesting a suspension of rtb in an area this does not lead to an influx of applications from the area concerned which will only serve to heighten or worsen the problems already exisitng within that area with regard to social housing.

Kind regards

Sian Stephens

'By working together, we will deliver modern, excellent services that will improve the health & well being of the people of Carmarthenshire.'
'Trwy weithio gyda'n gilydd, byddwn yn cyflwyno gwasnaethau modern a rhagorol fydd yn gwella iechyd a lles pobl Sir Gaergyrddin.'