Can the Housing Industry Follow Bold Leadership?
With plans to deliver 20,000 quality, sustainability-focused homes over five years, Tai ar y Cyd is an ambitious collaboration between Welsh social landlords, government, and industry.
The initiative brings together twenty-three social landlords with the aim of delivering more 'affordable, high-quality homes for future generations' – homes that can meet the high standards of low-carbon performance and drive down resident energy bills.
This will be achieved through a unique, standardised pattern book that includes layouts for fifteen house types, plus eighteen variants that range from 1-bedroom flats to 4-bedroom houses, and other features such as fully wheelchair-accessible homes.
The goal is to benefit residents, communities and the environment by setting clear energy efficiency, affordability, and long-term sustainability standards from the outset. Pictures by Rob Norman HayMan Media
Moving forward, these new homes will be designed to meet Welsh Development Quality Requirements and Welsh Housing Quality Standards and will embrace cutting-edge building techniques and natural materials, including timber.
It marks an important step toward a more energy-efficient and unified future for social and affordable housing in Wales – one that should enhance the quality of life for future generations and give residents greater protection from the ever-looming peril of fuel poverty.
It's encouraging to see the Welsh Government taking a long-term view – something both NorDan UK and I strongly support. By prioritising investment in quality and longevity, they are also disincentivising the short-term temptation of cheaper material options, which often prove to be a false economy over time.
Founded in Norway almost a century ago, NorDan has established a reputation across Europe for manufacturing high-performance, low-carbon timber windows and doors with a lifespan of 60 years or more.
Although demand for NorDan's products in social housing continues to grow, this level of quality will always come at a higher capital cost. Understandably, this can initially deter some social landlords who are focused on delivering as many homes as possible within tight development budgets.
At the same time, Wales, like many European countries, suffers from a chronic shortage of quality affordable homes, and there is a clear need to increase supply.
It's hard for people of all ages to access the housing ladder, and long waiting lists for social homes has left thousands of individuals and families languishing in temporary accommodation.
Our ageing, leaky housing stock is also clear evidence of past mistakes. UK homes are the least energy efficient in Northern Europe, while domestic energy prices are among the highest on the continent.
This has led to a perfect storm that has hit many of our lowest-income homes disproportionately, and something that we must avoid in the future.
In other nations and markets, NorDan has witnessed and demonstrated how strong government leadership combined with collective collaboration can be crucial in setting a new, and more positive path in housing.
That is certainly how I see Tai ar y Cyd. Positive leadership.
By encouraging decision-makers to measure and scrutinise the whole-life value of the building products and materials they use, I'm convinced that most will understand and embrace the longer-term benefits and savings.
Such is NorDan's confidence in the direction Wales is heading, that we've opened a new showroom and headquarters at Cardiff Gate Business Park. We have also invested in a new Wales-based team dedicated to addressing the specific housing needs of the nation.
Finally, for those keen to experience a living example of the pioneering levels of quality and innovation we're striving for, I recommend visiting the new 144-home village at Gwynfaen, an ultra-low carbon housing development located outside Swansea.
Featuring a thousand of NorDan UK's aluminium-clad timber windows and doors, this landmark project, led by Pobl housing association, has set a new benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient housing in Wales.
A precursor to Tai ar y Cyd, Pobl and Stride Treglown in Cardiff as lead architects, saw Gwynfaen as an opportunity to be bold and combine future-proofed ideas – creating concepts that prioritise a healthy community.
Moving forward, the emphasis now rests on the industry to embrace the principles of Tai ar y Cyd and take the time to explain how thinking longer term will reduce costs and carbon.
To help meet this challenge, NorDan has created advanced digital modelling that calculates whole-life carbon and energy savings, making it easier to accurately set out the longer-term benefits.
In conclusion, I'd say that the Welsh Government has shown visionary leadership, but if we are to be on the cusp of a new approach to affordable housing in Wales, then the industry also must follow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
44 minutes ago
- Business News Wales
Strongest Rise in Welsh New Business Since March 2023
Welsh businesses saw a further rise in output during June, according to the latest Cymru Growth Tracker data from NatWest, but growth in activity slowed despite a sharper upturn in new sales. At 50.5 in June, the headline Wales Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region's manufacturing and service sectors – fell from 51.5 in May, to signal only a slight expansion in output at Welsh private sector firms. Meanwhile, the rate of increase in new orders accelerated to the sharpest in over two years. Despite more favourable demand conditions, firms were less confident in the outlook for output over the coming year and registered another strong fall in employment. On the price front, input costs and output charges increased at softer rates in June. Although still historically elevated, output prices rose at the weakest pace since October 2024. Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist of NatWest Group, summarised the report's findings for Business News Wales: Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: 'Business conditions appear to be improving for Welsh firms, as new order growth accelerated to the fastest in over two years and companies raised their output levels in turn. That said, the rise in activity was only slight. At the same time, previous hikes to the Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions continued to weigh on business decisions as employment contracted again and confidence in the outlook was dampened amid concerns regarding client spending, and efforts to control costs. 'Inflationary pressures eased further from the recent highs seen in April, meanwhile. In a bid to drive sales, selling prices rose at the weakest rate since last October, as firms noted prioritising competitiveness over protecting their margins. In fact, of the 12 monitored UK nations and areas, only Yorkshire & Humber recorded a slower uptick in charges.' Performance in relation to UK The rate of output growth was slower than the UK average. Anecdotal evidence suggested that stronger demand conditions supported the upturn, however. Private sector firms in Wales signalled a second successive monthly expansion in new orders during June. The pace of growth quickened notably to the steepest in over two years. Moreover, the rise in new sales was the second-fastest of the 12 monitored UK nations and regions (behind the East of England). As well as being below the long-run series average, the level of optimism was the second-weakest of the 12 monitored UK nations and areas, ahead of only the North East. Surveyed firms stated that customer uncertainty and reduced client spending weighed on positive sentiment. A higher cost to employ staff following hikes to the Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions reportedly led to cost-cutting initiatives and a reduction in headcounts. Of the 12 monitored UK nations and areas, Welsh firms recorded one of the sharpest drops in employment. The pace of job shedding eased, however, to the slowest since last November. Despite a rise in new orders, firms were able to continue working through their backlogs during June. The rate of depletion was among the slowest in over a year, having softened from that seen in May. Nonetheless, the pace of decline was strong overall and quicker than the UK average. Panellists mentioned that greater prices for raw materials and higher transportation fees coincided with the further impact of hikes in wage bills and labour costs on balance sheets. That said, the pace of input price inflation eased to the slowest in 2025 to date and was weaker than the UK average. At the same time, the rate of increase in output charges softened as firms opted to remain competitive and drive new sales rather than protect margins. The pace of inflation was the least marked since October 2024. Moreover, of the 12 monitored UK nations and areas, only Yorkshire & Humber recorded a slower hike in output charges.
Business News Wales
44 minutes ago
- Business News Wales
Conference to Focus on Use of Welsh Language in the Workplace
A conference in Cardiff is set to include more than 200 representatives of organisations operating in Wales gathering to discuss how to develop and improve the use of the Welsh language in the workplace. The event, which has been jointly organised by the Welsh Language Commissioner and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, aims to share good practice and promote new ways of working that put the Welsh language at the heart of working life. According to Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, there is a strong desire to have this discussion: 'In our five-year strategic plan we have identified the development of the Welsh language in the workplace as one of our three priority areas. We see this as an area that could make a significant difference to the usage of the Welsh language and make it a natural language for day-to-day use in organisations across Wales. 'As we look ahead to the coming years, it is more important than ever that organisations put the Welsh language at the heart of their plans. It is pleasing, therefore, to see the significant interest in this conference, and the willingness to work together in order to develop new plans for the future.' Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: 'The Centre specialises in language learning and acquisition, and has seen huge growth in the numbers of people learning Welsh. In 2023-24, it was announced that 18,330 people had completed its courses, an increase of 45% since the Centre was established in 2016. 'One of the Centre's strategic priorities is to support employers to increase the use of Welsh, and it does this through its 'Work Welsh/Cymraeg Gwaith' programme, which was established in 2018. This is one of the Centre's most successful programmes, and over 2,000 employers have benefited from the services offered. The programme meets the requirements of a range of sectors and workplaces, including Health and Care, and Sport. More recently, the Centre is leading on a national Learn Welsh programme for the Education Workforce. 'By working in partnership, we look forward to attracting even more people to the Welsh language and supporting them to use and enjoy the language in their work and everyday life.' The conference will be held at Cardiff City stadium and is expected to attract over 200 attendees. One of the contributors will be Manon Humphreys from Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales who will talk about how the Welsh language is at the core of their work: 'I very much welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important conference. It's good for us as organisations to be able to come together to learn lessons and identify new ideas about how to include and promote the Welsh language practically in our work settings. 'From my perspective I am looking forward to presenting our hope in terms of the Welsh language at Amgueddfa Cymru while at the same time hearing from others about their plans and hopefully it will lead to new partnerships or opportunities – which can only be beneficial for the Welsh language.'
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Ian Blackford: SNP must offer Scots a bold economic plan
Mr Blackford warned that the dire state of the UK's public finances would have direct consequences for Holyrood, whose budget is heavily dependent on decisions taken at Westminster. Read more: 'For the SNP Government, whose budget is largely based on Barnett consequentials, it means an ongoing squeeze on real-terms spending,' he wrote. 'The 2026 election will largely focus on devolved responsibilities, but the capacity to deliver over the next Parliament will be constrained by the UK financial settlement.' Mr Blackford said the scale of the UK's fiscal challenge was stark. The tax burden continues to rise, with the UK Government's own forecasts suggesting the tax-to-GDP ratio will hit 37.7% by 2027–28 — the highest level seen in peacetime Britain. The Office for Budget Responsibility has said this could rise to 38% later in the decade. Yet despite the record tax take, the UK Government is still struggling to balance the books. Public sector net debt now stands at £2.87 trillion — around 96.4% of GDP — the highest May debt-to-GDP ratio in modern times. Servicing that debt costs more than £100 billion a year, or roughly 3.9% of GDP. All of this is adding to the pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has committed to not borrowing to fund day-to-day public spending, and to get debt falling as a share of GDP by 2029–30. She has limited choices following last week's U-turn on the welfare bill, which wiped out a projected £5bn saving. Labour has insisted it will keep its election promises not to increase income tax, National Insurance or VAT, but Ms Reeves has reportedly told Cabinet colleagues further hike may now be necessary in the Autumn Budget. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Chancellor may ultimately need to find an additional £25bn to £30bn by 2028 to avoid imposing deep cuts to public spending. Mr Blackford said there little chance of Ms Reeves scrapping her fiscal rules, and borrowing more. 'The financial markets will punish the Chancellor if she tries to increase borrowing, and she knows this,' he wrote. 'Put simply, the financial markets will largely determine the fate of the Chancellor and our fiscal future.' The prospect of a new Chancellor who might change the borrowing rules has already spooked the markets. When Ms Reeves was seen crying in the Commons at Prime Minister's Questions — after Sir Keir Starmer refused to back her — the pound fell against the dollar and the euro, while gilt yields soared. Rachel Reeves wipes away a tear during PMQsMr Blackford, a former investment banker, said: 'International comparisons make clear that investors impose a risk premium on UK debt. The current 10-year UK Government gilt yield is 4.5%. In Germany, it is 2.6%. In Switzerland, a modest 0.4%. Our neighbour Ireland has a rate of 2.8%. 'We are paying a price for the perception of investors of a lack of financial competence. We make jokes about Liz Truss and her cataclysmic approach to financial management, but her predecessors and successors hardly earn an A-plus.' Mr Blackford said the result would be a period of sustained pressure on public services across the UK, including in Scotland. 'For the public, the catastrophic failure to deliver an economic policy that supports sustainable growth has meant declining living standards,' he wrote. 'The last Westminster Parliament was the first in the post-war period during which living standards fell. I would not bet on this Parliament delivering a different outcome.' He also warned of the UK's limited ability to cope with any future economic shocks. 'Heaven help us if we face another external shock, given UK PLC's balance sheet. I shudder to think how the UK could finance another Covid-style crisis.' However, the bleak picture, he said, presented the SNP with an opportunity. 'Politics ought to be about hope. The SNP can seize the opportunity to paint a landscape showing how things could be different in Scotland,' he wrote. 'I have previously argued for the establishment of an industrial council. It is much needed. Or, if one is not to be established, the SNP at the very least needs to set out how it will drive a step change in investment, jobs and growth. 'We have the opportunity to drive economic opportunity from our massive potential in green energy — not green energy in itself, but using that power to create a sustainable green industrial future, building on our strategic opportunity to create a competitive advantage from affordable green energy. 'Doing our bit for net zero while creating the circumstances for a sustainable increase in economic growth.' Ian Blackford called on the SNP to look at establishing an Industrial CouncilMr Blackford argued that Scotland's ability to achieve this economic renewal was inextricably linked to the case for independence. 'When we talk about independence, it is not about an abstract concept. It is about transforming life chances. More of the same within the UK — low growth and public services under pressure — can be broken. 'The SNP needs to spell out how it can change the landscape and unlock economic growth by harnessing our natural resources and, of course, our human capital. There is a better way. It is up to our leaders to chart it.' Read more: Currently, around one-third of Scotland's budget comes via the Barnett formula, meaning UK Government spending decisions directly influence Holyrood's funding envelope. Last month, Ms Reeves set out her spending plans for the next three years, with the Scottish Government due to see a £9.1bn increase in funding during that period. A breakdown of the spending, released yesterday by the UK Government, showed that included a £5.8bn rise in health spending. Education consequentials were worth £2.1bn, while justice spending added £451m, housing and local government £380m, and transport £807m. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray hailed the increase, saying: 'The UK Government's Plan for Change has delivered the largest real terms settlement for the Scottish Government since devolution began in 1999, and ensured a definitive end to austerity in Scotland with £9.1bn more for the Scottish Government until the end of the decade. 'That's £9.1bn over and above record real terms budgets. 'That's more money than ever before for the Scottish Government to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools. 'It is for the Scottish Government to determine how it spends this money. 'It is notable, however, that almost £6bn of additional funding has been generated by health spending, and over £2bn has been generated by spending on education. 'Many Scots will expect to see better outcomes in their schools and hospitals given this record funding.' However, Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison said the settlement still left Scotland short-changed. 'The UK Spending Review document sets out in black and white that our funding for day-to-day spending is set to grow by only 0.8% over the next three years, compared with 1.2% average growth for UK Government departments,' she said. 'This will short-change us by £1.1bn. 'What's more, we face an estimated £400m shortfall from the UK Government's failure to fully fund their employer National Insurance increase.'
