Local authorities in Wales now have a legal duty to provide vulnerable people who become intentionally homeless with accommodation, under new rules coming into force today.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Under the provisions contained in the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, additional safeguards are now in place for some vulnerable households, including those with pregnant women, children and certain young people. These new provisions will provide them with greater security.
It reinforces the Welsh Government’s strategic approach to prevention and helps to ensure some of our most vulnerable citizens are provided with the additional help they may need in order to help them find and retain suitable accommodation.
This commencement is in line with Welsh Government Ministers’ commitment to have due regard to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In 2014/15 there were 515 intentionality decisions made, down from 605 in 2013/14. The latest data for 2018/19 reported 201 households were found intentionally homeless across Wales.
Housing Minister, Julie James said:
Preventing homelessness is a priority for this Welsh Government.
Over the last 5 years, we have seen a significant fall in the number of people who are intentionally homeless. The latest figures show just over 200 people reported being intentionally homeless in the last year. Some of these households will have young and vulnerable members, and the commencement of the new provisions today will offer additional protection for them.
It also helps to ensure some of our most vulnerable citizens are provided with the additional help they may need in order to help them find and retain suitable accommodation.