Higher and degree apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valuable career development tool, providing opportunities for individuals to 'earn while they learn.'
£90 million in low-interest loans made available for affordable housing
The Welsh Government has made £90 million in low interest loans available to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to deliver more homes for people across Wales.
The loans are designed to help the housing sector with the escalating costs of debt and support the delivery of 277 affordable homes, and improvement works to 4,397 existing homes.
Improvement works will help bring homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, making sure they are affordable to heat and fit for the future.
The loans will range between £5 million and £10 million.
The loan scheme was introduced in 2023-2024 and has since issued more than £75 million in loans to RSLs to bring forward over 450 additional homes in the social sector.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the Michael Groves development in Llanharan managed by Valleys to Coast. The homes there were delivered under the previous loan scheme.
Bryant said: "We have been listening and working closely with the sector to help them navigate the escalating costs of building homes and borrowing.
"The homes here in Michaels Grove exemplify the real power of this type of funding to deliver beautiful homes that are affordable to run and that enrich our communities.
"We need more affordable and energy efficient homes now and for the future and it is so important that we continue to explore innovative ways to increase the supply of housing for individuals and families across Wales."
Joanne Oak, group chief executive of Valleys to Coast, said: "This funding has allowed us to secure nine additional homes for families as part of a wider acquisition of 20 homes at this mixed development site.
"We are grateful to the Welsh Government for its support in enabling us to deliver the best possible affordable housing solutions and support for local people, helping us create safe and happy homes and communities where our customers feel they belong."
Latest News
28/04/2025 - 12:02
London Councils has published a new report on how leasehold properties could be made more energy efficient, which also acknowledges the financial and legal difficulties that are making it difficult for leaseholders and council tenants to receive help.
28/04/2025 - 11:06
London’s sporting events boosted economy by £230 million last year, according to recent data revealed by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
25/04/2025 - 10:33
London Councils has warned that the capital’s worsening homelessness crisis presents the “single biggest risk” to London boroughs’ finances and is pushing councils towards bankruptcy.
25/04/2025 - 10:16
A major carbon capture and storage network is ready to begin construction in North Wales and the North West of England.
25/04/2025 - 09:39
Government departments and their arms-length bodies have until the end of May to apply for an exemption from the requirement to switch to a zero em
Event Diary
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.
In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?
Supplier Profiles
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
Seal Watching Harwich is a magical wildlife experience loved by both adults and children.
Latest Features
Behind every dazzling burst of light at London's New Year's Eve fireworks display lies months of meticulous planning. Tom Smith, managing director at CarnDu, chairman of the EIG and secretary of the BPA, takes us behind the scenes of this world-famous event
Pauline Beattie, ABPCO's newly appointed co-chair, and a director of Conference Care, talks about Best Practice and its value as part of the event delivery process
