Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy has yesterday spoken on the state of housing and homelessness in Wales.
During the Welsh Conservative debate Janet highlighted that homelessness in Wales has reached alarming levels, with 13,539 households recorded as homeless in 2023-24, an 8% increase from the year before.
This is having a detrimental effect on the temporary accommodation spend.
Commenting on the news Janet said:
“Whilst many of us are fortunate enough to have warm homes to celebrate Christmas in, we must not forget the thousands across Wales who have no home, are on the streets, or living in hotel rooms.
“Conwy Council spent nearly £4.4m on temporary accommodation during the 2023/24 financial year. In 2022/23, the expenditure was just under £4 million, compared to just over £3 million the previous year.
“This marks an increase of more than sixfold compared to what Conwy was spending just four years ago.
“At a time when Conwy is facing a shortfall of £31.2m, these figures are deeply troubling, and highlight the urgent need for the Welsh Government to get a grip with the homeless crisis in Wales.
“In short, Welsh Government need to do more to build new homes and bring empty properties back into use”.
ENDS
