The Welsh Government has this week introduced a bold and ambitious Bill which aims to transform our response to homelessness.
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill will fundamentally change our homelessness system, so it is focused on prevention and providing more tools to support people into longer-term homes.
The Bill focuses on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness.
It is rooted in evidence and the lived experience of those who have been homeless and is a vital step towards achieving our long-term ambition of ending homelessness in Wales.
Key elements of the Bill include:
- Transforming the homelessness system in Wales so that it focusses on earlier identification and prevention.
- Targeting action at those most at risk. In particular, providing the opportunity to end homelessness amongst young people leaving care.
- Focussing on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing Welsh public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “This Bill marks a turning point in how Wales tackles homelessness. I’m proud to introduce legislation that not only changes systems but will also transform lives.
“Every person deserves a safe place to call home, and these reforms bring us closer to making that a reality across Wales.
“I’m particularly pleased about what this means for young care leavers. By bringing housing and social services teams together, we’ll ensure these young people – who are our responsibility – get the support they need.
“Ending homelessness in Wales isn’t just an aspiration – it’s achievable if we work together to spot warning signs early and step in with the right support before crisis hits. This Bill gives us the tools to make that happen.”
