Urgent call to exempt refuges from the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

The Act that will break the Welsh VAWDASV Refuge System

Today (01/12/2022) we have written to Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt MS, and Minister for Climate Change Julie James MS, to call for an urgent amendment to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, to establish a clear exemption for refuge accommodation.

Whilst we appreciate the many positive elements of the Act, we have grave concerns as to the dire impact the Act will have on specialist VAWDASV services, and specifically on the safe management of refuges throughout Wales.

Indeed we believe that unless action is taken, the Act will break the Wales VAWDASV refuge service.

We stand with 19 specialist member services in Wales calling for this change.

Read our open letter to find out why: Welsh Women’s Aid Renting Homes Act Open Letter

See Sioned Williams MS, voice our concerns in Plenary (29/11/22) here