Questions Without Notice from the Party Leaders

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:45 pm on 12 December 2017.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 1:45, 12 December 2017

I was very surprised last night to be told that, for some people, that's what they were choosing to do. I think it's more to do with the fact that they find it difficult to cope with any other circumstance they find themselves in. They are a minority, that's right, and I was quite surprised to be told that last night. The vast majority of people—no, of course they don't choose to be living on the streets. For them, the impression I got last night is that it's easier to help them, because for them—. Well, that's what I was told. We can speculate as to why that is, but that's what I was told. Nevertheless, we know that there are people sleeping rough on the streets, and dealing with them is hugely important in order to be able to help them for the future.

With regard to the guidance, that is something I can write to her on. What I can say is that if guidance is not observed then of course we will look to take steps to strengthen the support that's in place for homeless people. That, of course, will form part of the action plan that we're developing in the future.