The National Assembly for Wales's Public Accounts Committee inquiry into what impact welfare changes have had on social housing tenants in Wales found that the Welsh Government should take more of a leadership role on the matter.
The Committee heard evidence from the Welsh Government, local authorities, social landlords and advice providers and has set seventeen recommendations it believes will improve the Welsh Government's response to future changes and ensure Wales is better prepared to anticipate their impact.
Darren Millar AM, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee said:
"Unusually for the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee, this report deals with the implications of a non-devolved policy and its impact on devolved services.
"Bringing down the overall cost of welfare has been a priority for the Westminster Government in reducing the public deficit, and has resulted in fundamental changes to the benefits system with strong implications for the housing sector in Wales.
"The removal of the spare room subsidy has given an impetus for social housing providers to deliver housing that is more responsive to the changing benefits landscape and more appropriate for tenants' needs.
"There is also a need to ensure that social housing tenants are better informed as to how they will be affected by changes in order that they can be empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
"Ultimately, when service delivery is disrupted by political disagreements or failure to collaborate or respond quickly enough, it is social tenants and the more vulnerable in society who suffer."
Responding to Welfare Reform in Wales (PDF, 565 MB)