The Welsh Government has today (Monday, 19 May)
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, , 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."
