Welsh Government
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Wales has “big plans” to make a real difference to vulnerable people
“Wales is moving forward with big plans to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people” the Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Carl Sargeant said yesterday.
In a speech at the Shelter Cymru conference in Swansea, the Minister said he recognised the good work already being done to tackle issues such as homelessness and outlined what the Welsh Government plans to do to extend support to vulnerable people across Wales.
The Minister said:
“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.”