As the UK Government announces polices to help the housing situation in England, Welsh Assembly Government Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies has reaffirmed the action already taking place to help home owners in Wales.

Mrs Davies said: "The Welsh Assembly Government has long recognised that everyone in Wales has the right to an affordable home. We are more than aware that a growing number of home owners are finding themselves in difficulties meeting the payments on their mortgage and facing repossession proceedings.

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"That is why we have already announced a £5 million pound mortgage rescue scheme to be used in this financial year - further funds are available to add to this scheme this year if the current allocation is insufficient. An extra £30 million has been allocated in the social housing budget to address the issue of affordable housing. We have also set up a pilot scheme to help first time buyers.

"We have increased the amount of Social Housing Grant investment, increasing the focus on delivery through the introduction of Affordable Housing Delivery Statements, working with Local Authorities to increase production through planning mechanisms and extending the Rural Housing Enabler network.

"These measures are part of a wider package of measures to create more affordable housing. We have been quick off the mark in responding to people's concerns, but clearly there's always a lot more to do and this area is, without doubt, a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government."

(CD/KMcA)