Rent regulators in Wales are enforcing part of a “mad” policy according to a leading political magazine.
The Spectator has written a story about what it calls “Wales’ mad policy of decolonisation” that includes hate crime training for private landlords.
The story concerns the Welsh government’s policy to end racism by 2030 through the implementation of an Anti-racism Wales Action Plan (ArWAP).
This was created by the former Labour government in Wales but, says the magazine, it’s supported by the new Plaid Cymru administration too.
Parts of the strategy refer to anti-slavery history and even ‘decolonising’ some Welsh food with alleged colonial links.
The Spectator then reveals private landlords and letting agents are encouraged to participate in the strategy by undergoing Hate Crime Awareness training from the sector regulator, Rent Smart Wales.
The magazine continues: “In a new information document, seen by The Spectator, Rent Smart Wales advises them to report hate crimes on a tenant’s behalf, since “tenants may not realise they’ve experienced a hate crime.”
Consent to report such a crime on behalf of a tenant is preferred but “not required” according to the magazine.
And it quotes an unnamed landlord saying: “You’re assumed not to have even half an ounce of common sense or intelligence… how do you even judge whether you have achieved a non-racist status?”
You can see the full article here although for some readers it may be behind a paywall: https://spectator.com/article/the-welsh-governments-mad-decolonisation-plans/
The official wording on the Rent Smart Wales website details the training:
“Landlord Training: Developed in partnership with Victim Support and Tai Pawb, the training teaches private landlords how to recognize the signs of racism and other hate crimes and how to offer appropriate support to affected tenants. Completing it counts towards licensing CPD requirements.
“Support Campaigns: The Welsh Government and Victim Support run the ‘Hate Hurts Wales’ campaign. Landlords are in a unique position to help as victims targeted where they live often feel unsafe in their own homes.
“Independent Help: Tenants experiencing hate crimes or racist behavior can receive confidential advice and support independent of the police through the Wales Hate Support Centre (run by Victim Support).”
