Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:45 pm on 14 June 2022.
Thank you for the statement, Minister. It's concerning, of course, that the supersponsor scheme has had to be temporarily paused, because we know that this was a scheme where we can best guarantee that the needs of refugees are met, and that their safety and well-being are safeguarded. We understand and also appreciate the need to ensure that the appropriate support is available and that pausing the scheme to resolve any problems is a responsible thing to do. But from what we've heard from local authorities who have welcome centres in their areas, there is a very real problem that has arisen because there is a lack of accommodation available for those who are ready to move on from the welcome centres. This is perhaps partly because of the pressures on local authority housing stock. We know that the number of homeless people in temporary accommodation is increasing and the lack of permanent housing available for them is a barrier in reducing the number of people in temporary accommodation.
So, can the Minister confirm that a shortage of permanent accommodation is partially responsible for the pause in the supersponsor scheme, and what solutions are being proposed? And how will the Government ensure that local authorities—those who have welcome centres and those who don't—do work together to solve this problem? The aim, of course, is to restart the supersponsor scheme. So, what's the Government doing now in order to ensure that what is provided in the future in the scheme is adequate, and practically possible? Is the Minister confident that the scheme will not need to be paused again? You’ve mentioned that capacity is a cause of concern in the welcome centres, and given these difficulties in finding permanent accommodation for families, what will happen if those who have received a visa under the supersponsor scheme do arrive whilst the scheme is paused? Where will they go?
A number of press reports over recent weeks have mentioned refugees facing major difficulties and some now having been made homeless as arrangements break down, either because of a failure in the relationship between the host and the individual, or issues around inappropriate accommodation being offered, and then local authorities having to step into the breach to support these people. Are such cases monitored by Government, and if so, what's the picture here in Wales? And what plans are in place to find permanent accommodation for those refugees that have been sponsored by families once their six-month period of accommodation comes to an end, and those who have offered their homes are unable or don't want to extend that period? Bearing in mind that funding isn't provided, as you mentioned, by the Westminster Government to support the Welsh Government's supersponsor scheme, can the Minister tell us what the impact of this is on the programme, now that many weeks have passed?
I've raised in the past concerns about the lack of mental health support and specialist trauma services for those who have fled Ukraine. Charities report that needs are getting worse, given how the conflict has developed. So, what additional specialist provision is in place for those seeking sanctuary here in Wales under the various sponsorship schemes? Given that the numbers of people are increasing, as you've noted, has the Government reviewed the adequacy of the services available? And has it responded to any gaps or issues around capacity in order to ensure that the refugees arriving in Wales, and who need such support, are properly supported? Thank you.