Two thirds of people in Wales had their homelessness prevented but that some still fall between the cracks, new research shows

Welsh Government homelessness figures released today show that almost two thirds of people entitled to help had their homelessness prevented but that some still fall between the cracks, as shown by an increase in the use of temporary accommodation.

In response, Crisis chief executive, Jon Sparkes, said:

“These figures show that the new Welsh homelessness legislation is clearly improving support for homeless people. Around two thirds of households receiving help had their homelessness prevented, which reflects recent evidence published by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.1

“However, the numbers also show some increase in the use of temporary accommodation as a solution to homelessness. This is worrying because this kind of accommodation is often cramped, sometimes unsuitable, and occasionally even dangerous. While it might prevent people sleeping on our streets, in doorways, or in bus shelters it isn’t right that people don’t have a permanent home. 

“We know that Welsh Government has made some very welcome progress in tackling homelessness but with people still falling through the cracks, more must be done to end homelessness for good. That’s why we’re calling on the Welsh Government and local councils to work closely with Crisis as we prepare a plan to end homelessness for good across the nations of Great Britain, and in the meantime, to make sure we fully deliver support to people so that no one has to face homelessness alone.”  

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

1. These Welsh Government homelessness statistics cover April to June 2017 and this comment compares these with the April to June 2016 figures. Please note Welsh Government excluded Neath Port Talbot data from the 2017 statistics and the Crisis analysis also removes Neath Port Talbot from the 2016 data to make comparisons accurate.

2. The Homelessness Monitor: Wales 2017 report referred to in this comment is the third report in Wales of an independent study, commissioned by Crisis and funded by Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments in the UK. It is carried out by Heriot Watt university.

Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We are committed to ending homelessness.