The Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru (CIH) has supported the findings of a new report aimed at addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Wales, but has highlighted the skills and capacity of the housing sector as critical success factors in achieving its recommendations.

The Essex Report is the work of an independent review of affordable housing which was commissioned by the Deputy Minister in October 2007. Its aim was to explore possible mechanisms for delivering one of the Government's main priorities, the 'One Wales' commitment of creating 6,500 affordable homes in Wales by 2011.

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The Head of the Review Group, Sue Essex, said: "This is a critical time for housing in Wales and we met with considerable enthusiasm within the housing sector in Wales for delivery through this change agenda to deliver for people in housing need. It is not just a matter of numbers, but making sure new housing is of the right type and quality standard, and is in the right place to meet local need and support local communities."

Steve Long, Director of CIH Cymru said: "We are very pleased to have contributed to the evidence that helped inform this review. Given the current economic and market situation, it is essential that the focus swiftly moves to implementing the recommendations set out in the report. Equipping those housing professionals tasked with delivering the aims of the Essex review with the appropriate skills and capacity will be a critical success factor, and CIH Cymru looks forward to leading the way on this agenda."

(CD/JM)