“With the cuts and welfare
reform changes imposed by the UK Government hitting Wales hard, there is no
doubt that these are challenging times for individuals, families and
communities across Wales.
“It is no exaggeration to
say that anyone could find themselves in the unfortunate position of facing
being made homeless and there’s a duty on us in the housing sector to
make a real difference to those in this vulnerable position.
“The Welsh
Government’s Housing Bill currently being taken through the Senedd paves
the way for radical reform, particularly around homelessness - where the focus
will change to being on prevention wherever possible. Proposed changes to the
private rented sector will also provide a significant opportunity to offer a
good standard of accommodation to tenants.
“In addition to better
legislation, Wales is still the only part of the UK continuing to have a
ring-fenced Supporting People programme. The programme helps over 70,000 people
each year to live independent lives and funds a variety of support services for
disabled people, those with mental or physical health problems, those fleeing
domestic abuse, older people, former armed forces personnel and the
homeless.
“All of this is in
addition to the great progress we are making towards achieving our increased
target of building 10,000 new affordable homes and bringing back into use 5,000
empty properties during this term of government.
“But it’s clear that
to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable, there must also
be a shift in culture. We must all move away from rigid application of roles
and strive to work more closely together with the common goal of supporting
people so that everyone has somewhere suitable to live.
“Wales has a historical
opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable people across Wales and
it’s one that I’m determined to seize.”