Today, Friday 20 March, the Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James AM, published a statement that set out how the Welsh Government and its partners will support people without a home during the coronavirus outbreak and on its longer term commitment for a plan to end homelessness.

In response, Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

"We strongly welcome the news that the Welsh Government is working to protect the health of people across Wales who are without a home. By providing extra funding, making self-contained accommodation a priority, and giving a clear direction to remove barriers that currently stop people receiving support, the Welsh Government is responding in the right way to a quickly changing situation.

"As the outbreak progresses we must also make sure people are supported to keep a roof over their head. The extra pressures now on our most vulnerable citizens mean that people are more at risk of losing their homes. That's why it's so vital that we see the immediate suspension of all evictions for social and private tenants.

"We must all pull together and support each other through during this difficult time and all governments should step up their efforts to match the scale of the challenge facing us. There will be more to do in the coming weeks and months. The priority right now is making sure people are supported in self-contained accommodation. However, we are reassured that the Welsh Government has also pledged not to lose sight of the ambition to agree a plan to end homelessness in all its forms."

 

Notes

Link to the Welsh Government statement