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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:23 pm on 3 June 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 4:23, 3 June 2020

Thank you for the statement. I would like to place on record my thanks to our local authority, Conwy County Borough Council for their partnership working and immense support given to our homeless here in Aberconwy. We have seen residential units placed in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay to house our very vulnerable homeless and rough sleepers, and they've carried it out in such a speedy manner during this pandemic emergency.

However, I must agree with the Salvation Army that a focus must also be on tackling the reasons why people become homeless in the first instance. So, my questions are: will our local authorities be able to apply for some of the £20 million funding to support proposals for targeting causes of homelessness, as part of your announced phase 2 plans, and also, as the National Residential Landlords Association have highlighted, there are many situations where tenants are now facing huge commitments and struggles to afford their housing. Will you clarify if these current restrictions will not prevent them from sourcing and indeed moving into affordable accommodation at this time?