WIDENING ACCESS TO THE PRS

Tuesday 24 September | Merthyr Tydfil 
Members £100 | Non-members £125

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This seminar explores the challenges and solutions related to the wider use of the private rented sector as a longer term housing option for diverse and vulnerable groups.

In the last 20 years, the private rented sector (PRS) has more than doubled in size and is still growing. For many, it is no longer a flexible housing option of choice but rather the only choice they have. The continuous undersupply of social housing means that the PRS is increasingly being used as a longer term housing option for large numbers of diverse and vulnerable tenants.

Widening access to the PRS will offer an opportunity to examine and debate practical examples and policy solutions related to the substantial use of the PRS. 

SPEAKERS

• Matthew Hall | Welsh Government - will update us on plans related to the Welsh Government-supported Private Sector Leasing Scheme which aims to make better use of the PRS for vulnerable groups. Matthew will explore issues such as engaging the PRS, incentives, support and partnership working, including homelessness and Supporting People departments
• Housing First Coordinator | Cymorth Cymru - the new post-holder will be helping to embed Housing First across Wales and will draw together examples of good practice, including working with the PRS as well as looking at challenges and lessons for the wider sector
• Jo Seymour | Warm Wales - will bring innovative thinking and examples of how the Healthy Homes, Healthy People project engages with PRS landlords, tenants and partners to tackle fuel poverty, reduce health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of tenants
• Jennie Bibbings | Shelter Cymru, Douglas Haig | RLA, Bethan Jones | Rent Smart Wales - will discuss and debate issues related to security of tenure in the private rented sector, including the latest legislative proposals on 'no fault' evictions and the challenges and improvements these might bring, as well as the potential impact on social housing providers
• Local authority representative (TBC) - will showcase how it engages and works with private landlords to help prevent and tackle homelessness; be ready for innovative practice and lessons for the wider social sector