An influential commission of inquiry is to reunite next year to assess how poor housing and homelessness is being tackled in Wales.
The Commission was established by Shelter Cymru in 2006 as part of its 25th birthday year. More than 160 people and 80 groups gave evidence, illustrating the links between homelessness and poor housing and health, education, crime, the economy and the impact on children and families. The Commission made a number of recommendations, which were detailed in the report ‘An Unnatural Disaster’ and presented to the First Minister.
Now the charity is bringing the Commission back together to review what progress has been made, consider what should happen next and provide recommendations for the Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities and third sector organisations in Wales.
John Puzey, director of Shelter Cymru, said: “The last four years have seen the peak of the housing boom, followed by the devastating recession that was fuelled by inflated property prices and reckless borrowing.
“On the plus side, we have also seen the Welsh Assembly acquire wider powers and greater confidence in setting distinct policy directions, so we feel that 2011 is an ideal time to review how far we’ve come and set down some markers for how we want to progress.”
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, chair of the Commission, said: “The inquiry in 2006 was a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the impact that poor housing and homelessness has on individuals, families and communities.
“The evidence we heard made it abundantly clear how vital a decent secure home is for people to make the best of their lives. Since then, things have become far more difficult because of the economic situation. First time buyers are finding it harder than ever to buy a home. There are not enough affordable homes in Wales and nearly 50 per cent of people are worried about paying their rent or mortgage.
“It will be very interesting to see what changes have been made since 2006 and I hope that we will again be able to make a contribution to tackling bad housing and homelessness in Wales.”
Other members of the Commission are:
- Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board and Pro-vice Chancellor of Bangor University (Vice-Chair)
- Jonathan Adams, Architect of the Wales Millennium Centre
- Dr Heledd Hayes, Education Officer, NUT Cymru
- Dr Dyfed Wyn Huws, GP and independent public health consultant
- Robert Maskrey, Managing Director Maskreys Ltd
- Peter Johnson, freelance broadcaster and journalist.
