7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Tackling Homelessness

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:52 pm on 23 October 2019.

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Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative 5:52, 23 October 2019

I genuinely think it was interesting to hear from Leanne about the experiences of individuals who are being refused successful applications on the basis of minor amendments. These are the sorts of things that really affect policy more widely, and where we try and distinguish between the difference between good ideas— hopefully across party—and the delivery of good ideas badly.

I was actually heartened to hear from the First Minister last week that he'd read our 10-point plan and had no sense at all of not being willing to take good ideas from wherever they come and that he felt that housing is an issue that is largely shared across the floor of this Assembly as a priority for the people we represent. And, actually, I do think that's true. It doesn't mean that we can't scrutinise apparent failures of policy. I think the figures in the motion suggest that the 2014 housing Act hasn't really had the effect that might have been hoped for. But, without a statutory right to housing, as we ask for, I think it's a big ask for any legislation to solve the problems of homelessness, not least because of the operational delivery problems that you've spoken of, Leanne.