Homelessness Support in North Wales
Janet:
Will the First Minister make a statement on the provision of homelessness support in north Wales?
First Minister:
Welsh Government funding has helped to prevent homelessness for nearly 18,000 households across Wales since our progressive legislation was introduced. That does include over 3,000 from north Wales. In addition, over £5.1 million has been provided to the north Wales authorities to support implementation of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 since April 2015.
Janet:
Thank you, First Minister. However, I am becoming increasingly concerned at the rising numbers of those having to brave the elements without any accommodation, particularly so as we approach winter. In my own constituency of Aberconwy, there are a growing number of vulnerable people sleeping rough. A week last Friday, a constituent approached my office requiring emergency accommodation and rehabilitation support after not having settled at any accommodation for the past 12 months.
After receiving no practical help from the local authority for over four hours, while we looked after this individual in our office, we relied on the help of the wonderful Mrs Brenda Fogg of Hope Restored, a one-woman volunteer, who has a very kind heart. She actually ran out with blankets and food provisions. As of today, though, I am still awaiting some form of rehabilitation and accommodation from the local authorities for this individual.
First Minister, what steps are you taking to ensure that all local authorities are fulfilling their obligations to the homeless and rough-sleepers as per section 73 of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014, to which this gentleman, and my constituent, is fully entitled?
First Minister:
Well, there has been a response, of course, to the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee's report into rough-sleeping. We've set out our detailed reply to the 29 recommendations that were contained there.
It's got to be said that welfare reform and the austerity agenda continue to create further pressure on households and their access to affordable accommodation. Nevertheless, it's true to say that implementation of the legislation has been inconsistent, and we are working with the Welsh Local Government Association, the homelessness network and others to make further progress to improve outcomes and create greater consistency.