Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
This month we have launched a new pilot, providing small grants for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We are working with a third sector organisation, Greater Change, to pilot an approach in Wales which utilises philanthropic match funding to test whether a condition free, third sector delivered, flexible and responsive intervention has a positive impact in terms of reducing homelessness.
As suitable housing plays an integral role in preventing reoffending, the pilot will focus on prison leavers and those on probation who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Initially the pilot will start in North Wales but may be expanded to other areas, depending on take up rates and how the pilot progresses. We want to ensure people in the criminal justice system can access bespoke funding quickly, to support them into sustained and stable housing.
We are providing £50k in 2025/26 and £100k in 2026/27 for this initiative, which is being fully match funded by Greater Change from their fundraising activities.
We will be commissioning an independent review of the pilot to assess the outcomes.