One of the key areas we considered as part of our inquiry was the causes of rough-sleeping. These are wide-ranging and include a combination of structural and personal factors. We focused on the two main structural causes: welfare reform and a lack of affordable housing. Changes to benefit entitlements, the increase in sanctions and the introduction of universal credit are having a profound effect on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, substantially removing the safety net available to those at risk of rough-sleeping. Worryingly, the full effect is yet to be felt in Wales.

We heard that providing greater flexibility over payments could reduce the risk of eviction resulting from rent arrears, and called for the Welsh Government to seek the necessary power. This was rejected on the basis that such flexibility already exists, yet organisations directly involved in the delivery of homelessness services appear not to know of these payment options. So, today, I ask: will the Minister commit to raise awareness with the housing and homelessness sector, and with third sector financial advice services, as a matter of priority?

As well as the lack of affordable housing, we also heard that mental and physical health issues, as well as substance misuse, are common among rough-sleepers. Many have multiple and complex support needs that will not be addressed purely by helping them find accommodation, important though that is. So, joint working between the housing and health sectors is vital. There is a real risk that without it, the move to a housing first model will fail to deliver the results that have been seen elsewhere.

The Welsh Government has accepted our recommendation 17, calling for responsibility for the implementation of its action plan to be shared jointly between the Minister for Housing and Regeneration and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services. However, it also states that the Minister is leading on implementation, but will work with the Cabinet Secretary. This would appear to fall short of what we believe is necessary, and we would seek clarification today.

Dirprwy Lywydd, there are high hopes across the homelessness sector that widespread adoption of the housing first model will bring about valuable change. However, academics expressed strong reservations about using the congregate model, which is included as an option in the Government’s guidance. We seek further assurance from the Minister on this point, and, in particular, concern about any use of converted hostels. 

Finally, Dirprwy Lywydd, the future of the Supporting People programme grant featured heavily in the evidence we received from those involved in the delivery of services to the homeless community. They remain deeply concerned about the proposed merger of the grant and the impact on rough-sleeping. With the next budget round a matter of months away, we reiterate the need for the Government to set a timeline for publishing the findings of the flexible funding pathfinders and to provide a firm indication of when a final decision will be made. Can the Minister clarify that the findings of the pathfinders will be available ahead of the next budget round?

Dirprwy Lywydd, we do not want to repeat our calls for more decisive action following the publication of the 2019 rough-sleeper count. But let me be clear: this is not about numbers, statistics or trends. It is about improving the lives of the hundreds of people who sleep rough in our communities. It is about the immeasurable human cost of rough-sleeping. It is ensuring that people who find themselves living on the streets are given the support they deserve, the home that they need, and the chance to live, not merely to exist.