More than 600 homeless households in Flintshire as MS urges new Welsh Government to act
Ken Skates MS is calling on the new Welsh Government to commit to ending homelessness in Wales by 2034, as figures show 633 households in Flintshire are currently classed as homeless.
The Fflint Wrecsam MS and interim Welsh Labour leader has written to Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, asking the new government to outline its plans to reduce and ultimately end homelessness.
The figures, from homelessness charity Crisis, show a further 333 homeless households in neighbouring Wrexham.
A homeless household is not limited to people sleeping rough on the streets.
The definition covers any family, couple or individual who lacks stable, secure and adequate housing, including those with nowhere to stay or living somewhere it is not reasonable or safe to remain.
Across Wales, Crisis says more than 12,000 households are facing the worst forms of homelessness, including people sleeping on sofas, living in cars, stuck in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough.
The charity has warned that without bold action, homelessness in Wales will rise by 24 per cent by 2041.
Mr Skates said: “While there have been slight decreases in recent months, homelessness presentations remain high in Flintshire and Wrexham.”
He pointed to the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Act, passed under the previous Welsh Labour government, as legislation with the potential to make a difference if properly implemented.
Mr Skates said: “Before the recent Senedd election, charities like Crisis welcomed Welsh Labour’s commitments on homes and homelessness – in particular the clear ambition to end homelessness in Wales by 2034 and to grow delivery of the new social homes Wales so desperately needs.”
He said: “We worked with Crisis throughout the development of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Act. We both believe it has the potential to be life-changing. It is now incumbent on the new Welsh Government to ensure it is effectively implemented.”
Crisis said that despite Wales delivering record levels of affordable homes in recent years, there remains a disconnect between need and what is being realised.
Mr Skates said: “It’s clear that over this Senedd term we will need to push harder and faster on boosting our supply of social homes.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
