12. Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the national housing pathway for ex-service personnel? (OAQ51183)

I thank the Member for Ogmore for his questions. I launched the national pathway for ex-service personnel in November 2016. We continue to champion the approach through the recent publication of supporting leaflets, posters and advice cards, so that anyone needing accommodation can get access to the support that they need.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for that response. In launching this pathway, which is a great innovation, much stress was laid by the Cabinet Secretary on the need for effective collaboration with housing consortia, with the local authorities, regional collaborative committees, local health boards and other provider agencies. So, this far into the pathway, could he give us an update on how effective that collaboration is and whether he sees a good uniformity in the collaboration right across Wales, and not some variability on a postcode basis?

I think what we are seeing is that we’re learning from experience. I said to Vikki Howells early on about dealing with ex-service personnel—it’s a variable process because people’s needs are all different. We have to understand that better. What we are really pleased with about the housing pathway is that local authorities and housing associations are picking up the gauntlet here, and are working very well to help ex-service personnel and veterans with regard to their needs, but also the needs of families, as well, who accompany service personnel. So, I’m seeing a great, positive outcome right across Wales. I have visited some of the organisations delivering the services to personnel, too.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary.