Janet Finch-Saunders;7. Will the Minister make a statement on the budget allocation to the Housing and Regeneration portfolio? OAQ(4)0408(FIN)
Jane Hutt;As set out in the final budget approved by the National Assembly in December, the budget allocation for housing and regeneration stands at nearly £465 million.
Janet Finch-Saunders;There has been much financial support given to bring back the many thousands of our empty homes in Wales, and this is working in some areas, but my question is in relation to the number of empty shops across our high streets and town centres, and whether you have any plans at all to look at ways to regenerate our town centres in the same way. If these shops are brought back, the receipt of some business rates makes it a win-win process. Minister, would you consider looking at setting aside some funding for our communities and local authorities in order to bring these shops back to life?
Jane Hutt;Well, I am very glad that you welcome the investment that we have made as a Welsh Labour Government in bringing empty homes back into occupation to meet housing need. You will be fully aware of the ‘Vibrant and Viable Places’ funding, which, indeed, Conwy County Borough Council has benefitted from. A key part of that will be about regeneration of town centres and ensuring that not only empty shops but also residential use in those areas can be regenerated.