Finance Minister Jane Hutt was in Pembrokeshire on Tuesday to see how Welsh Government investment in social housing is helping families affected by the UK Government's 'bedroom tax'.

The Minister visited River View, Stranraer Road, a 16-unit housing scheme situated in Pennar, Pembroke Dock. Construction began in February 2012 and was completed in May this year.

The Welsh Government provided £706,000 funding from the Social Housing Grant (SHG) towards a total scheme cost of £1.6m. This is includes £523k from the Economic Stimulus Package.

River View provides 11 one and two bedroom homes. Pembrokeshire Housing Association has agreed with Pembrokeshire County Council that when letting smaller units, priority is given to those adversely affected by the 'bedroom tax'.

Five families adversely affected by the 'bedroom tax' have moved into new homes at River View.

The Minister also visited Peregrine Close, a 35-unit housing scheme situated in Haverfordwest, which has been developed by Pembrokeshire Housing Association thanks to £1.2m in Social Housing Grant funding towards a total scheme cost of £3.8m. Construction began in August 2011 and was completed last month.

During construction, three apprenticeships were created and seven people were also employed through local sub-contractors. Direct labour was employed from the local housing estate in both skilled and unskilled labour to support the unemployed and to aid in site security (six positions in total).

Peregrine Close provides 28 one and two bedroom homes and the association has agreed with Pembrokeshire County Council that when letting smaller units, priority is given to those adversely affected by the 'bedroom tax'. Three homes have already gone to families adversely affected by the 'bedroom tax'.

Speaking during her visit, Jane Hutt said: "I'm really pleased to be in Pembrokeshire to see for myself how our investment in social housing is both boosting the local economy and making a real difference to families that have been adversely affected by the UK Government's bedroom ttax.

"We are determined to do all that we can to help mitigate against the UK Government Welfare Reforms. That's why we've allocated £20 million to provide much needed one and two bedroom homes across Wales."