In 1997, national organisations in Wales got together to draw up 10 steps for better housing. Three things jump out at me when I re-read the policy after 15 years. First, it is a very reasonable set of asks and aspirations; it is comprehensive, perhaps not surprising as it was drawn up collectively by the sector; and thirdly it is clearly and concisely expressed – it easily passes today's "twitter test" with most actions expressed in less than 140 characters.
In revisiting the 10 steps I'm not suggesting it shows up the efforts of government and partners to date, but that it is still a very good checklist to frame our answers to the questions we inevitably ask at the start of a new term of political office: how far have we come and how much more needs to be done?
The 10 steps provide confirmation that the case for housing is a reasoned and consistent one. Yet if we're honest it also shows that we haven't yet cracked some of the most fundamental challenges we faced 15 years ago (though we have made significant progress in some areas). As a local authority colleague said recently, it was a "good starter for 10".
Of the steps (see below), the final one – that government ensures its policies on housing are co-ordinated – stands out as strangely anachronistic. Indeed there is widespread opinion within the sector that we are currently heading in the opposite direction with our taxation and benefit system, particularly in terms of current and proposed welfare reforms.
If we are to look back in another 15 years with a greater degree of confidence, there are three cornerstones that must come together:
Innovation
We need to continually reinforce the point that housing can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, educational attainment and creating vibrant local economies. Resources must follow the evidence. Government needs to start pooling departmental budgets and the housing sector in turn will have to sweat its assets more, delivering more homes without grant, supporting local authority ambition to build and using the land of stock transfer housing associations.
We have to expect more from developers, lenders and private sector landlords. The new Welsh government has every right to pose the question: what can you do for Wales?
Partnership
Now more than ever, no one sector can deliver on its own. Housing associations cannot build more homes unless they work closely with councils and the private sector. Making sure that new and existing homes are more than bricks and mortar means engaging tenant groups in decision making, and ensuring that people with support needs have access to good quality services. None of this can happen without the right framework in place, recognising that there is one, interconnected housing system.
Ambition
The Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru called for, and was delighted to see, a full cabinet post for the new housing minister Huw Lewis. The new government's manifesto includes a number of commitments that could help us deliver, including a new empty properties initiative, a further £1.2bn to deliver the Welsh housing quality standard, and ensuring that housing investment also delivers jobs and training.
All of this won't end the crisis, but it points us in the right direction. As confidence grows that housing can deliver much more, the case for resources will increase too. Above all we need to keep our eye on the prize of a decent, affordable home for all.
Click here to read the CIH Cymru Welsh Housing Review, launched today.
Ten Steps for Better Housing: Housing Forum Cymru, 1997
1. Building and repairing homes generates work, reduces ill-health and contributes to solving problems that stem from poverty
2. Everyone should have a home they can afford and government has a duty to make this happen
3. A proper assessment of housing need should be made and this should inform housing policy
4. People have the right to participate in the design, building and management of their homes
5. Homes should be built to high standards, last a long time, be warm and dry and not cost too much to run
6. Everyone should have access to support and advice that helps them to get a home or to stay in their home
7. People that have no home should be given priority for a house
8. Government policy should support people to obtain and remain in their own home regardless of whether they rent or pay a mortgage
9. Everyone should enjoy security of tenure and there should be one form of tenure for social housing
10. Government should ensure that their housing policies are coordinated, and in particular the tax and benefit system should help people get a home
Keith Edwards is director of CIH Cymru.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the housing network for more like this direct to your inbox
