Welsh plans to tackle major issue 'could also be a way forward for England'
It has been described as a 'turning point' in how Wales tackles the problem
A new bill could 'fundamentally change' how homelessness is tackled in Wales
(Image: Kypros via Getty Images )
A new Welsh Government bill could "fundamentally change" the way homelessness is dealt with in the country. The aim is to focus on prevention and to provide more tools to support people into longer-term homes.
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill is centred around prioritising prevention and stopping people from getting into a situation where homelessness is likely. The Bill focuses on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness.
The Welsh government has said that the bill is rooted in evidence and the lived experience of those who have been homeless and is a vital step towards achieving a long-term ambition of ending homelessness in Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Key elements of the Bill include transforming the homelessness system in Wales so that it focusses on earlier identification and prevention, targeting action at those most at risk.
In particular, it will also provide the opportunity to end homelessness amongst young people leaving care and focussing on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing Welsh public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness.
The Salvation Army's Andrew Connell and Jez Bushnell have now argued that England should now follow suit.
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Writing an article for the Big Issue, they said: 'In Wales, a 2023 white paper on homelessness announced the Welsh government's intention to abolish priority need – but to do it over time, allowing the establishment of services and resources required to make it work.
'We hope that a homelessness bill, to be introduced in the Senedd later this week, will translate that intention into law.'
They added: 'We think the Welsh model of abolition over time could be a way forward for England. Wales has extended priority need to people who are 'street homeless'– a wide definition that includes those who are at risk of having to sleep rough as well as those who actually are.
'The Salvation Army is calling for England to follow this lead, and also extend priority need to people who are survivors of modern slavery in the same way that it already applies to people who have survived domestic violence.'
Discussing how the bill will affect Wales, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: 'This Bill marks a turning point in how Wales tackles homelessness.
'I'm proud to introduce legislation that not only changes systems but will also transform lives.
'Every person deserves a safe place to call home, and these reforms bring us closer to making that a reality across Wales.
'I'm particularly pleased about what this means for young care leavers. By bringing housing and social services teams together, we'll ensure these young people - who are our responsibility - get the support they need.
'Ending homelessness in Wales isn't just an aspiration - it's achievable if we work together to spot warning signs early and step in with the right support before crisis hits. This Bill gives us the tools to make that happen.'
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