A group of Cardiff-based businesses have added their names to the growing list of supporters of the Homes for Wales campaign for universal affordable housing in Wales.
Technology firm Locality Solutions and the Royal Society of Architects in Wales, based in Cardiff’s Creative Quarter, and PR firm Chatterbox Communications, based at Welsh ICE in Caerphilly, are amongst those calling on the next Welsh Government to clearly set out how it will address the housing crisis as part of the new Programme for Government.
Concerned about a lack of appropriate housing and welfare cuts, the businesses share Homes for Wales’ belief that everyone has the right to safe, secure and affordable housing. Since 2008, house prices have risen by 16% and, in Wales, 12,000 new homes are needed each year to meet demand. In addition, more than 5,000 households were accepted as homeless in 2015, whilst 8,596 families have been on the housing waiting list since before the last election.
Locality Solutions, which creates smart, mobile technology to help some of Wales’s leading housing associations tackle issues such as anti social behaviour and domestic violence, believes collaboration is key to making communities safer. Head of customer experience Ollie John said:
“Collaboration between housing stakeholders in Wales can shape the way for strong, desirable, cohesive communities but we need the support of the next Welsh Government. Significant investment into affordable housing is required to achieve this and Locality is proud to support the Homes for Wales campaign.”
RSAW director Mary Wrenn said:
“RSAW is proud to support the Homes for Wales campaign because we believe that housing is the most fundamental of human rights and architects have a key role to play in creating homes that are practical and sustainable, to suit all budgets and needs.”
Chatterbox Communications creative director Rebecca Lees added:
“I was extremely lucky to get on the property ladder just before the boom but, for my children’s generation, affordable housing will be out of reach for many. The next Welsh Government must take notice of this vital campaign and make homes a priority – for everyone, not just the lucky few.”
Members of the group plan to join a rally in Cardiff on Friday, March 4, marching from the Senedd to the city centre in support of Homes for Wales. The coalition, led by seven organisations, has the backing of actor Michael Sheen as well as hundreds of housing providers, organisations and individuals.
ENDS
Photo (l-r): Locality Solutions managing director Adrian Leen, product director Karen Boparoy and finance director Steve Smith. Credit: Helen Williams Photography
NOTES TO ED:
The businesses have also written a letter in support of the campaign to Wales’ leading newspapers, as well as politicians.
For more information or further images, please call Rebecca on 07950 060613 or email chat@chatterboxcomms.co.uk