New data released today (22nd July 2026) has revealed that last year, over 12,000 households were assessed as homeless and supported by local councils to secure accommodation. This is a 6% reduction to the previous year, which highlights that the commitments in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto must continue with pace in order to continue to reduce homelessness.  

The statistics also show that: 

• The number of households trapped in temporary accommodation is relatively stable over the last two years (6,201 households at 31 March 2026; 6,417 households at 31 March 2025).
• Unfortunately, B&Bs and hotels continue to be the most commonly used form of temporary accommodation, with households living in one room without access to cooking and cleaning facilities.
• Families with children continue to be more likely to spend over six months living in temporary accommodation – a pattern that has continued in recent years.
• Over 40% of all households who access temporary accommodation are stuck in this uncertainty for over six months. 

Responding to today’s update from the Welsh Government about homelessness in Wales, Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis said: "Today once again highlights the scale of challenge across Wales, with thousands of households still facing homelessness each year. It is positive to see that instances of homelessness are starting to reduce but it is clear that more can and must be done to protect people from homelessness.  

“Behind this data are personal stories of the impact that homelessness has on people’s lives, their health and their future. These statistics should act as a motivator for Plaid Cymru to progress action to end homelessness through meeting their manifesto commitments. Commitments around effective implementation of the new homelessness legislation, embedding a housing-first approach and delivering the social homes that Wales needs.   

“At Crisis, we know that together we can end homelessness. We will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government, the sector in Wales and experts by experience to promote evidence-based solutions to this challenge. So that we can work with the urgency needed to build a Wales where everyone has the safe, affordable home that they need.”