Work Still To Be Done On Tackling Homelessness

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES LATEST HOMELESSNESS STATISTICS

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has given a cautious welcome to the latest homelessness in Wales figures.The latest quarterly statistical release presents information collected from local authorities about their actions under the homelessness legislation for the period October to December 2007, together with comparisons with figures for earlier periods.These latest figures state that there were 1,488 households accepted as homeless – 6 per cent lower than the previous quarter and 1 per cent lower than the same time the year earlier. The number of households accommodated temporarily at the end of December 2007 was 2,587 – 12 per cent lower than the previous quarter and 17 per cent lower than the same time a year earlier. By the end of December 2007, there were 240 households in Bed and Breakfast accommodation, a fall of 36 per cent since the same quarter the previous year. Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly has taken the challenge of tackling homelessness very seriously. We have created a National Homelessness Strategy for Wales, and these figures show that our strategy is working. Homelessness in Wales is falling consistently.“However, we will not be complacent. It is important for the Assembly to remember that the fact that the overall trend of homelessness is falling is of no comfort to those individuals and families who are currently without a home. Homelessness can shatter lives and puts great stress on individuals and families, so we must keep this issue at the top of the agenda, and continue looking at ways in which to tackle and prevent homelessness.“Also, we must remember that these figures do not include the rough-sleepers who are at the really sharp end of homelessness. We must continue to explore ways to help and engage with rough-sleepers.“I look forward with anticipation to the next quarterly release, which I hope will show a further fall in homelessness in Wales.”