'Wales needs affordable homes'

Further evidence has been produced to support calls for a 'huge' increase in affordable housing in Wales.

A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Commission unveiled at the Welsh Assembly sets out a number of recommendations to increase in affordable homes.

These includes making better use of the existing stock and more joined-up working between the Welsh Assembly and local authorities.

Derec Llwyd Morgan, chair of the commission, said: "Meeting the need requires urgent action. Powers exist at both local and national level to improve the situation, but a marked response will require cooperation, innovation, strong leadership and great political will."

'Housing challenges' in Wales

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Cymru welcomed the report. Steve Long, director of CIH Cymru, supported the recommendations: "Over the past few years, CIH Cymru has sought to highlight the housing challenges being faced by rural communities in Wales through our policy work and good practice briefings."