Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas and leading Senedd candidate for Monmouthshire and Torfaen Laura Anne Jones, today visited leading housebuilders Barratt Redrow as part of a visit focused on tackling the housing crisis and supporting the next generation of workers in the industry.

The visit to Llanwern in Newport highlighted both the urgent need to increase housing supply across Wales and the opportunities to bring more young people into skilled, well paid roles in construction.

Ms Jones said: “We are facing a clear skills shortage in the housebuilding sector, and that is holding Wales back. We need to create real opportunities for young people to come into the industry, learn valuable skills and build long term careers close to home.”

“Reform will also ensure Welsh people and our veterans are put first when it comes to social housing. That is only fair, and it is what people across our communities expect.”

Leader Dan Thomas said: “There is a housing shortage in Wales, and it is being made worse by excessive planning rules, over regulation and rising construction costs. Reform will tackle this head on so we can build the homes people actually need, ensuring that any new builds are supported by the infrastructure needed in the community they are built in - more doctors, nhs dentists and schools, for example.

“Housing is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a home for someone, it provides stability and can make money for people. Its a good investment.”

Ms Jones went on to say that Reform will help first time buyers get onto the housing ladder and try and ensure that young people dont have to move out of, or far, from the communities they grew up in, which os often the case in rural Communities where young people are priced out of many homes.

“In 2026, young people should have homes and job opportunities here in Wales, in local towns and cities.” Ms Jones said.