Motion NDM7167 Darren Millar

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises that current policies to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping are falling short of what is required.

2. Commends the good practice that is to be found in the sector and welcomes the establishment of the Welsh Government’s Homelessness Action Group.

3. Notes that:

a) there were 25 identified deaths of homeless people in Wales in 2018, a notable increase from the 11 identified deaths in 2017;

b) 25,937 people experienced homelessness across Wales in 2017/18, according to figures by Shelter Cymru;

c) between 2012 and 2017 the number of people sleeping rough in Wales increased by 75 per cent, and the number sleeping in cars, tents and on public transport increased by 50 per cent according to research by Crisis and Heriot-Watt University;

4. Further notes the Welsh Conservatives 10 point action plan to tackle homelessness: ‘More than a Refuge’;

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to appoint a homelessness tsar, ideally someone who has lived experience of homelessness and who can scrutinise the progress towards ending homelessness in Wales.