Janet Finch-Saunders - Will the Minister make a statement on the implementation of the Help to Buy Wales scheme?

Carl Sargeant - I understand that you have given permission for questions 14 and 15 to be grouped. The Help to Buy-Wales scheme is performing well and has already supported the construction and purchase of over 160 properties in Wales.

Janet Finch-Saunders - In February, it was reported that there has been a 12% fall in the number of new homes built. With the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy scheme, which does actually provide 20% of the equity for a new home to be provided by the Welsh Government, I am just wondering, given the lack of new homes that you are currently building, whether there are any thoughts of you extending the scheme, perhaps to the many empty properties that we have on the books within Wales. I wonder whether you have given that possibility any consideration.

Carl Sargeant - I have given that consideration. We will not be introducing this to any homes other than new homes. It is exactly the same scheme as is operating in England.