Two new Welsh Government-backed housing schemes in the South Wales valleys are creating local jobs and training opportunities, boosting the local economy and creating much needed affordable housing, Finance Minister, Jane Hutt has said.

The Minister visited the schemes a day before she publishes the annual report of the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP) which sets out the Welsh Government’s priorities for investment in capital projects over the next 10 years.

The Minister visited the former Vulcan House Brewery site in Merthyr Tydfil –which will provide 15 new affordable, two bedroom homes. The scheme has received £1.1m from the Social Housing Grant (SHG) programme.

The scheme has benefitted the local community by employing 25 local workers as well as two apprentices, enabling them to gain experience and skills in roofing, bricklaying and other development related aspects.

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At any one time up to 50 local workers have worked on the site when including the supply chain, which are all locally-based SMEs, including:- G Newman – Merthyr Tydfil (Brickwork); STB – Rhondda (Stonework); Rapid Grid – Hirwaun (Groundwork); V&C – Glynneath (Plastering & Decorating).

In Ebbw Vale, the Minister visited a 52 unit housing development at Mountain Road in Rassau Brook, which is backed by SHG funding of £1.4m from the Welsh Government.

The scheme has benefitted the local community by employing 10 local people as well as providing four apprenticeship opportunities for a bricklayer, a carpenter, electrician and a plumber.

Speaking during her visit, Jane Hutt said: "Every time we invest in housing we are also investing in jobs, skills, and communities at a time when tackling poverty and creating jobs is at the top of the Welsh Government’s agenda.

"I'm very pleased to be able to see for myself how the investment we have made through the Social Housing Grant is delivering real benefits for our communities. The provision of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes in particularly needed to combat the worst effects of the UK Government's Welfare Reforms."

(CD/MH)