Sarah speaks before Senedd committee

We were delighted to provide evidence at a Senedd committee this morning on legislation to end homelessness in Wales.

Sarah Schofield, our Director of Customers and Communities spoke at one of a series of evidence sessions held before the Local Government and Housing Committee to discuss the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill.

Sarah was joined at the session by representatives from Community Housing Cymru, Taff Housing, Tai Tarian, RHA Wales and Clwyd Alyn.

The Bill puts more focus on homelessness prevention and removes barriers which have historically served excluded people from support. It also strengthens prevention measures for groups most at risk of homelessness, such as care leavers.  The Bill also expects public services across Wales to work together to make sure there’s improved access to good quality, suitable accommodation and ensure social housing is made available to those most in need.

Sarah said: “It was a great opportunity to have a voice at the Senedd to help influence the new legislation around homelessness.

“As an organisation, we’re fully supportive of the general principles of the Bill.

“We agree there’s a need for change in terms of approach, investment, reforming legislation and policy to ensure a greater focus on people; to create tenancies that are sustainable, alongside a commitment to invest more in the housing supply.  The availability of suitable accommodation, funding, partnership working and good housing management are essential to ensuring success.

“We’ll continue to work in partnership with local authorities that are our partners with a commitment to ending homelessness in Wales”.