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Welsh Minister Edwina Hart has hit out at the supported housing community for abusing the trust of the Welsh assembly over Supporting People funding negotiations, writes Derren Hayes in Cardiff.

Hart, the Welsh assembly social justice and regeneration, delivered a stinging revolt to the sector for leaking details to the press of discussions with assembly officials over the planned cuts to the supporting people budget late last year. 

Hart, who was making the opening address to the Welsh national supported housing conference in Cardiff, said: “I was extremely angry when details came through in the press.”

“Sometimes my officials have shared information with the movement and I don’t expect that to be turned back on the assembly through the media misinterpreting the situation,” she added.

As news of the anticipated Treasury cut in Wales’ Supporting People budget of 11.5 per cent for 2005/6 began filtering down to supported housing organisations, someone contacted the media because of fears projects could be cut, and called for the assembly to step in to fund the shortfall.

Despite this, Hart was uncompromising in her criticism of that approach. 

“I’m happy with my officials to be transparent with you but please don’t abuse that – don’t try scoring points over me.  When we are conducting conversations honourably I expect them to be dealt with properly.  The alternative is to end any conversation,” she added.