3. Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: The Homelessness Action Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:27 pm on 30 November 2021.

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Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour 3:27, 30 November 2021

I welcome the statement by the Minister and the action plan. I agree with the Minister that homelessness extends well beyond access and the availability of affordable homes, but does the Minister agree that the availability of affordable homes is a major part of the solution? 

Does the Welsh Government accept Shelter's definition of homelessness, which extends beyond those sleeping on the street to those staying with friends, staying in a hostel, staying at a B&B or a night shelter, living in poor conditions affecting their health or living apart from immediate family?

Will the Minister join me in congratulating The Wallich and other third sector organisations within Swansea on the work they're doing, and also the support provided by organisations such as Matt's Cafe, which is in the Swansea West constituency, which I know the Minister knows well?

But I think, really, every time we start talking about things, we can end up talking about money. Does the Minister agree that all that needs to be done requires additional funding, especially to the housing support grant and the social housing grant? 

Finally, it is by an accident that those of us sat in here are not those on the street.