Understand
Reform motion to bar foreign nationals from Welsh house-shares and social housing rejected by Senedd
Overview
A motion put forward by Reform in the Senedd, calling for foreign nationals to be barred from licensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and social housing, has been rejected by 57 votes to 31. Reform argued that British citizens and local families should be prioritised amid housing pressures. However, other Senedd members, including Plaid Cymru Housing Minister Sian Gwenllian and Conservative and Green politicians, strongly condemned the proposals as inhumane, divisive, and harmful to legal workers, students, and Irish citizens.
Key points
- Reform tabled a motion in the Senedd proposing to overhaul HMO licensing and social housing rules to ban foreign nationals.
- The motion was defeated by 57 votes to 31 in the Welsh Parliament.
- Reform argued that houses in multiple occupation are central to the asylum system and that British citizens must come first.
- Plaid Cymru Housing Minister Sian Gwenllian criticised the proposals as inhumane and accused Reform of wanting to force families onto the streets.
- Other MSs warned the policy would negatively impact legal workers, students, and Irish citizens.
- An alternative amendment supporting fair and sustainable dispersal arrangements for asylum seekers was passed by the Senedd.