WORK by the Welsh Government to ensure social housing in Wales is up to scratch has been praised by Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore.

The Welsh Housing Quality Standard requires all homes owned by social landlords to meet a set of criteria, including being a good state of repair, safe and secure and adequately heated, by 2020. Figures have shown 86 per cent of social housing met the standard at the end of March this year, up from 79 per cent the previous year.

Speaking in the Senedd earlier this week Ms Passmore said: “This significant investment by Welsh Government is having a significant and far-reaching impact and indeed transforming lives.”

Addressing communities and children secretary Carl Sargeant she said: “Will the cabinet secretary outline how we can ensure that this progress is maintained and advanced across Wales?”

Mr Sargeant replied: “The quality of homes is so important to people’s wellbeing.

“It’s also vital for us in achieving many of our other goals as a government, including improving the nation’s health and well-being.

“Investment in improving and building homes also has a huge potential to create jobs and training opportunities in areas like Rhianon Passmore’s constituency, and we look forward to continuing that support for organisations to develop housing quality standards.”