Understanding affordability: Who does the private rented sector in wales work for? And how do we change it?

Shelter Cymru provides advice and support to more than 12,000 households each year, with almost half of these being private renters. This experience of the reality of the housing emergency means we know that there is a crisis of affordability taking place across the country, with individuals and families who live in the private rented sector facing almost impossible housing costs. Despite this, the Office for National Statistics have suggested that only two areas in Wales would be considered unaffordable based on their definition. For renters themselves this suggestion simply doesn't align with their reality, so Shelter Cymru has worked with them to establish a new approach to understanding affordability. Based on that, we have concluded that unless you are a two-income household in mid-Wales we would have little confidence that the private rented sector can provide you with an affordable home.