Why do we need a Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Strategy in Merthyr Tydfil?In September 2002 following extensive consultation, the Welsh Assembly Government published its first Black and Minority Ethnic Housing Action Plan for Wales.
This Action Plan required all local authorities and Registered Social Landlords to have in place either an individual or be partner to a BME Housing Strategy. Our BME Housing Strategy was prepared in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil HA, Hafod HA, Wales & West HA and Aelwyd HA.
In addition to the requirements of the BME Housing Action Plan, legal and regulatory requirements also reinforced the need for local authorities to have a BME Housing Strategy in place by April 2004, including:
- Race Relations Act 1976 as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
- Human Rights Act 1998
- The European Directive on Race 2000
- Equality Standards for Local Government in Wales
- Commission for Racial Equality Codes of Practice covering
- Employment, Rented Housing and Non-Rented Housing.
Consultation with BME communities revealed that:
- BME communities in Merthyr Tydfil were less established than many other parts of Wales
- A greater level of difficulty existed through poor English language and communication than other areas of Wales
- General satisfaction with homes and suitablity of area lived in
- General satisfaction with services received from health agencies and Police
- Low level of occupation in social housing sector
- Those who experienced racism/racial harassment generally provided positive feedback on the way Police dealt with reported incidents
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