6. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: Homelessness

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:10 pm on 3 June 2020.

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Photo of Caroline Jones Caroline Jones UKIP 4:10, 3 June 2020

Thank you for your statement, Minister, and I welcome the plans to end homelessness. But, Minister, can you confirm that the plans will apply to everyone who is homeless during this pandemic, and not just those who are in emergency accommodation?

I have been speaking to veterans' groups in recent weeks who are concerned that many homeless veterans are falling through the cracks because they are simply sofa surfing. Obviously, this is not ideal from a public health perspective in this current pandemic. Minister, will you liaise with groups, such as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, to ensure that all homeless veterans are provided long-term accommodation?

If there are any positives to come out of this pandemic, ending rough sleeping surely has to be at the very top of the list. Of course, if we are to tackle homelessness in a lasting and meaningful way, we have to move to a functioning housing market as quickly as possible. So, Minister, what discussions have you had with public health officials about the safest way to restore a functioning housing market in Wales?

Also, may I ask, what assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact COVID-19 is having on future housing supply, and what steps, if any, are you taking to mitigate them?

We can't return to the pre-pandemic housing market until a vaccine is in place, but we can make adjustments to make building, buying and selling homes as safe as is possible. Social distancing will have an impact on the speed with which new homes can be built, so, have you discussed with house builders in Wales ways to offset the delays, such as operating multiple sites at once to accommodate the workforce?

The virus is also impacting the rental market, with many landlords unable to find tenants for their properties, or not receiving rental income due to tenants being out of work. So, what consideration have you given to waiving council tax on empty properties for the duration of this pandemic?

And finally, Minister, local government employees have a key role to play as contact tracers as part of the Welsh Government's track, trace and protect scheme. Are you confident that this new role will not leave shortages in other areas, particularly environmental health? Thank you.