The Welsh Government homelessness response to the pandemic has
been widely praised by local authorities. New research shows that
21 of Wales’ 22 councils say the ongoing provision of
self-contained emergency accommodation has been important in
preventing or minimising homelessness.
The Homelessness Monitor Wales 2021, commissioned by homelessness
charity Crisis and led by Heriot-Watt University, provides the
most comprehensive study of homelessness in Wales. It also
shows that 19 councils said the suspension of the ‘priority need’
test for support had been important in preventing or minimising
homelessness.
Two thirds of councils now support the permanent removal of the
test, which prevents some single adults with no children from
getting rehousing support. Removal of the test has been
recommended by the Wales Homelessness Action Group and the test
will be reviewed as part of the Welsh Government's action plan to
end homelessness.
But 21 of the 22 local authorities are now expecting a rise in
people seeking homelessness support due to being evicted from
private tenancies. The ban on most evictions in Wales ended in
June but six-month notice periods have been extended until at
least the end of 2021.
The report also found that two thirds of councils expect more
people seeking homelessness support due to homeowner
repossession, with the same proportion expecting an increase due
to job loss, following the end of furlough and £20 cut to
Universal Credit.
The Welsh Government is still funding emergency self-contained
accommodation for anyone who needs it, as well as more settled
move-on accommodation. In August, it also committed £250m towards
20,000 new low carbon homes for social rent.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said:
“This research shows that the Welsh Government has taken the
right approach to protect people from homelessness in the
pandemic: using its devolved powers to continue providing
emergency accommodation to anyone who needs it, while funding
crucial move-on accommodation and committing to serious
investment in social homes. It is vital that this highly
effective action is continued so we can end homelessness in Wales
for good.
“But it is very concerning that as we enter winter, councils
across Wales are expecting rises in homelessness. It is critical
that councils, government, health services and charities continue
working together, as they have done throughout the pandemic, to
ensure no one slips through the cracks, no one is left out of
support.”
Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick of Heriot-Watt University,
the lead author of the report, said: “The Wales
Homelessness Monitor shows that interventions targeting
homelessness during the pandemic were highly effective at making
sure the many people experiencing or at risk of homelessness had
somewhere safe to stay.
“But our research also illustrates that the economic aftermath of
the pandemic risks an immediate rise in levels of homelessness.
Looking forward we must build on the positive work happening in
Wales through the current Programme for Government and five-year
Action Plan to make sure the Covid-19 crisis doesn’t lead to
increased levels of homelessness, and that we achieve long
lasting change.”
-ENDS -
Notes to Editor
The Homelessness Monitor: Wales 2021 is commissioned by Crisis
and led by Heriot-Watt University. First published in 2011,
it includes a national survey of councils, statistical analysis,
and in-depth interviews with council and statutory
representatives and charities working with people who
are homeless.
The report (embargoed until 00.01 on 24 November) is available
via a link at the top of this email and will be available to
download on the Crisis Knowledge Hub on
November 24th.
The report is being presented at an online launch event on
December 9th at 10.30 AM, as part of the Cymorth Cymru
homelessness symposium, sponsored by Crisis. This will include a
presentation of the findings by Heriot Watt University and a
panel Q&A. To find out more email research@crisis.org.uk
An online survey was completed by all 22 local authorities in
Wales during summer 2021.
The Welsh Government’s draft plan to end homelessness can be
viewed here.
