Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I thank the Minister for her statement. Our committee has agreed that scrutinising policies and actions to end homelessness is one of our main priorities over this Senedd term. Indeed, the predecessor committee, which I also chaired, welcomed the actions taken at the start of the pandemic to place people sleeping rough, and others, into temporary accommodation. Since then, large numbers of people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness have been presenting to local authorities and have been provided with temporary accommodation every month. A significant number of those people are also being found long-term permanent accommodation. So, a lot of good work has been and is being done, but of course it's vital that the progress made throughout the pandemic isn't lost, and I know that the Minister is very much aware of that. Already we’re seeing the number of people sleeping rough increasing, which is a big concern.

This week, our committee will be hearing from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales on his report, 'Homelessness Reviewed: an open door to positive change'. I’m sure that, following that session, and indeed the Minister's statement and this discussion today, our committee will decide on its next steps in terms of continuing our scrutiny. So, today's Minister's statement is very timely for us, and of course it's very timely in terms of the threat to homeless people in Wales, given that we've had a sudden temperature drop and bad weather. Over the last week, I think that's really made people think ever more keenly as to what more can be done to help people who are faced with that desperate situation of sleeping on the streets. Obviously, real urgency is needed if we are going to enable safe spaces for people to live in away from the streets this winter.

So, I would ask the Minister what specific steps we'll be taking this winter in the light of the current circumstances—the progress made, but ongoing challenges—to help people and to prevent them sleeping rough and help them get off the streets. Also, the action plan notes the need for wide-reaching legislative reform, and I wonder whether the Minister could give an indication of when she hopes this legislation might be brought before the Senedd. Diolch yn fawr.