#Welsh Government
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The act puts in place delivery structures, processes and procedures to make Wales’ planning system fit for the 21st century.
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The devolution of some taxes to Wales from April 2018 provides us with the opportunity to reshape those taxes to better meet our circumstances and priorities.
Houses into Homes scheme
Wales first ever housing act aims to improve the supply, quality and standards of housing in Wales.
The key elements of the act (external link) are:
- introduction of a compulsory registration and licensing scheme for private rented sector landlords and letting and management agents, which will be delivered by Rent Smart Wales (external link)
- reform of homelessness law, including placing a stronger duty on local authorities to prevent homelessness and allowing them to use suitable accommodation in the private sector
- placing a duty on local authorities to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers where a need has been identified
- introduction of standards for local authorities on rents, service charges and quality of accommodation
- reform of the Housing Revenue Account Subsidy system
- giving local authorities the power to charge more than the standard rate of council tax on long-term empty properties and certain types of second homes
- assisting the provision of housing by Co-operative Housing Associations, and
- amendment of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.
Our priorities are:
- more homes
- better quality homes
- better housing-related services.
The act complements the wide range of developments across the housing sector and the goals of programmes, including:
The Explanatory Notes (external link) provide more detail on the Act, and outline what each element of the Act is designed to achieve.