More needs to be done to reduce homelessness in Wales

Recent reductions in homelessness figures in Wales are welcome, but hidden homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are serious concerns, according to a new audit report. The National Assembly’s Audit Committee today (Wednesday April 4) publishes its report on the Welsh Assembly Government’s national homelessness strategy. It concludes that this strategy, which aims to strengthen the focus of homelessness services on prevention, support, and access to housing, has had some success, but more needs to be done. The Committee believes that the real numbers of homeless people are higher than statistics suggest, because not everyone who is homeless approaches their local council for help. There is also concern that some councils may interpret definitions of homelessness too narrowly, and the report recommends that the Assembly Government issues clear guidance on how homelessness legislation should be interpreted. The Committee also believes that some temporary accommodation may not of a high enough standard, and recommends an inspection of all such accommodation. Janet Davies AM, Chair of Audit Committee, said: “We believe that housing shortages are a serious problem.  It is positive that more use is being made of social housing and the private sector to house homeless people.  However, the downside of this trend is the pressure it places on the availability of social housing for those people who need a secure home and reducing the amount of accommodation available for those who are not considered statutorily homeless and therefore increasing the risk that more families may become homeless in the future."