10. The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:44 pm on 24 January 2023.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 6:44, 24 January 2023

(Translated)

Thank you for your contribution this afternoon; it's to be warmly welcomed. It shows Wales's aspiration to be a nation of sanctuary, and these regulations are an important step in that direction.

As the Minister will know, the Local Government and Housing Committee is holding a consultation on Ukrainian refugees coming to Wales to escape the crimes of Putin at the moment. The evidence has been heart-rending, and it's fair to say that the actions of the Welsh Government have been far better than what's been seen provided by the Westminster Government.

The point remains that there is a shortage of housing here, and lessons to be learned from recent experiences. So, can we have an assurance that fit-for-purpose accommodation is prepared without delay to ensure that we have the necessary resources to welcome and home these people who truly need our support, and that we have a responsibility to ensure that they are housed?

And finally, we've heard over recent days the frightening news of 200 children who were seeking refuge disappearing from Home Office hotels in England. Will this change to TPS ensure greater safety for these most vulnerable of people, and what steps are being taken, in introducing these regulations, to ensure that children and others who are welcome here to Wales will not go missing from the system?