For immediate release: Thursday 3 January 2008
People of South Wales asked to share their rural housing concerns with independent Commission
A major Commission into rural housing in Wales is holding its South Wales regional evidence session in Carmarthen on 11 January at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation Commission on Rural Housing in Wales will provide an independent insight into the issue of housing need in rural Wales. In order to make well-informed policy recommendations in the Spring, the Commissioners are now concentrating on gaining a thorough understanding of the rural housing situation across Wales.
Today’s event (11 January) is one of six evidence sessions which are being held around the country over the next few months. At these sessions the Commission will gain input from policy experts, practitioners and the general public. The Commissioners are keen to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences of living in rural communities and to find out how they feel housing issues could be addressed. If you wish to attend, please contact Roger Harding on ruralhousingwales@jrf.org.uk or 020 7833 2997. If you are unable to attend but would like to submit evidence, the Commission has also issued a consultation paper to which responses are being sought. The paper can be found at www.jrf.org.uk/ruralhousingwales, or requested on the number above.
In addition to the evidence sessions and the consultation paper, the Commission will draw on existing research in the area and examine new evidence on the issue. The Commissioners will use this information to establish recommendations for policy-makers and practitioners.
Derec Llwyd Morgan, who was Vice-chancellor of the University of Wales (Aberystwyth) until 2004, is the chair of the Commission. The final report on the findings of the Commission will be compiled by leading academic Professor Paul Milbourne from the University of Cardiff.
Derec Llwyd Morgan said: “This Commission is an excellent opportunity for the Welsh public and housing specialists to share their views on what the real rural housing needs are in Wales. I am looking forward to hearing from people in and around Carmarthen on what can be done to address their housing concerns.”
Notes to Editors:
- Derec Llwyd Morgan is available for interview.
- Journalists wishing to attend the event should contact Charlotte Morris on the number below.
- The Commissioners are: Derec Llwyd Morgan (Chair), Aneurin Philips, Vivienne Sugar, Tim Bennett, Iwan Parry and Owain Llywelyn.
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK. It supports a research and development programme that seeks to understand the causes of social difficulties and explore ways of overcoming them.
Issued by Charlotte Morris, JRF Senior Media Relations Manager: 01904 615 919 / 020 7278 9665 / charlotte.morris@jrf.org.uk