5. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:26 pm on 29 April 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 5:26, 29 April 2020

[Inaudible.]—statement, Minister. I would like to thank the thousands of local government employees who have continued to provide vital services during this lockdown. It's been a massive challenge and our local authorities have risen to it, but there are areas where more needs to be done. We have seen massive rises in fly-tipping; what can local authorities do to ensure that waste facilities reopen as soon as possible? 

And, while I welcome the efforts to get our rough sleepers off the streets and into accommodation where they can take measures to reduce the risk from COVID-19, I am disappointed that it has taken a global pandemic to find accommodation for our homeless. Minister, what happens, as you've already said, when lockdown measures are lifted and tourism resumes? Where will our homeless people go? Has the Welsh Government made any progress in securing suitable long-term accommodation for Wales's homeless population? Some hotels have gone into administration as a result of lockdown. Will the Welsh Government be encouraging local authorities to purchase such properties to use as temporary accommodation moving forward, as well as providing the wraparound support, particularly with those with co-occurring issues?

So, under Government plans, local government officers, particularly those working in environmental health, will play a huge role in taking us out of lockdown. Minister, what assurances can you give the public that health protection measures won't take a back seat as we move into the next phase of the fight against coronavirus? 

Finally, Minister, local authorities are leading the efforts to protect our most vulnerable, who are the shielded. How are the Welsh Government and local authorities ensuring that all the needs of this group will be met during the coming months, including such things as household maintenance and safety checks?

And I thank you for your efforts to mitigate the impacts of this terrible disease and for your assurance on how you are dealing with domestic abuse, which, again, is a huge issue. I thank you for your efforts. Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd.