The Welsh Government has designated £100,000 to local authorities to help combat homelessness and provide rough sleepers with extra assistance during the cold winter months.
Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has backed the proposals and hopes all local authorities will apply for the additional finance.
If local authorities are successful in their application, the funding will enable them to target services and work in partnership with voluntary sector organisations to provide appropriate support for rough sleepers.
The Welsh Government is also placing greater emphasis on preventing homelessness by building upon its past work with local authorities and other housing organisations.
The Ten Year Homelessness Plan describes how the Welsh Government will tackle issues surrounding homelessness; with the recently introduced Housing (Wales) Bill setting out a new, robust approach to develop and deliver services.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“For many, the festive season is a happy and joyful time of the year but for people who sleep rough in our communities, the winter poses great difficulties and hardship.”
“The UK Government’s welfare reforms and cuts to the Welsh budget have further contributed to the problems and had a substantial impact on many individuals across Wales.”
“However, tackling homelessness remains a key issue for the Welsh Government and this announcement demonstrates its commitment to helping the most vulnerable people in our society.”
