Today (Thursday 2 April), new data from the Welsh Government shows that while homelessness in Wales has decreased, levels remain high with the third highest figure of people living in temporary accommodation on record. 

The data shows that during April to September 2025: 

• 6,426 households were living in temporary accommodation as of 30 September 2025, similar to the same time last year (a 1% decrease). The number of households in temporary accommodation is plateauing at a very high level, with the current figure being the third highest on record. 

• Just over a third (35%) of all households in temporary accommodation were housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, down from 41% from the same period last year. 

• 3,645 households were threatened with homelessness, a 10% decrease from the same period of the previous year. Homelessness was successfully prevented for at least 6 months in 58% of these cases, similar to the 56% seen the previous year. 

• 5,556 households were assessed as homeless and owed a duty to help secure accommodation, a 14% decrease compared with the same period last year. 

• Of these households, 28% were successfully helped to secure accommodation, similar to last year (25%). 
• It should be noted that there will be more people who are not captured by these figures and council records as they experience hidden homelessness. 

Ahead of the Senedd elections in May, the national homelessness charity Crisis is urging all political parties in Wales to make ending homelessness a priority. 

A new homelessness law was recently passed in the Senedd with cross-party support and Crisis says that today’s statistics demonstrate the need for the next Welsh Government to push ahead with investing in and effectively implementing the new homelessness law, as well as boosting the numbers of social homes. 

The charity warns that, without firm commitments from the next Welsh Government to end homelessness, we will continue to see thousands of people across Wales experiencing the trauma of homelessness. 

Responding to the figures, Debbie Thomas, Head of Policy & Communications at Crisis in Wales, said: 

“While today’s statistics show a welcome decrease in the numbers of people experiencing homelessness, this is certainly no time for complacency. The picture in Wales remains deeply troubling as thousands of people are still living in instability, with the numbers of people living in temporary accommodation being the third highest on record. Behind these numbers are families and individuals stuck for months in temporary accommodation, often without basic cooking or washing facilities, unsure when they will have a stable place to call home. 

“Through our services, we see every day the impact homelessness has on people’s lives, including their physical and mental health. No one should have to experience long-term trauma because of insecure housing. With housing services across the country struggling with continuously high caseloads, we need the next Welsh Government to commit to ending homelessness for good. 

“The recent homelessness law in Wales brings with it much hope for helping to drive down these stark statistics in the future. But if these changes to the law are to truly make a difference, we need clear commitments from the next Welsh Government after the Senedd elections in May. We must see a clear plan to end homelessness, investment in actioning the new homelessness law, and building the social homes we so desperately need. With the right action and political will, we can build a future where everyone in Wales has a safe, secure place to call home.” 

-Ends- 

Notes to Editor 

The statistics referenced above can be found at Homelessness: April to September 2025 [HTML] | GOV.WALES  

More information on the newly passed Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations (Wales) Act is available at: Wales is getting a new homelessness law! | Crisis UK | Together we will end homelessness.