Written question WQ89252

As outlined in our Programme for Government and in the recently updated High Level Action Plan to end homelessness in Wales, we are committed to moving to a system focused on prevention and rapid rehousing.

Through the development of rapid rehousing transition plans, local authorities are required to assess the needs of people in temporary accommodation by taking a person centred, trauma informed approach to determine appropriate intervention and service provision. This includes consideration of Housing First for those identified as having high or complex needs and requiring extensive support to maintain their tenancy.

As such, information related to people requiring intervention through the Housing First approach is the responsibility of local authorities.

Housing First is aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness with the most complex needs, most of whom will have an extensive history of homelessness and rough sleeping. Seventeen local authorities have adopted this innovative, evidenced based model and in this financial year I have maintained funding of £1.9m in support of the continued development of Housing First across Wales.

This funding has also supported the development and delivery of the Housing First Accreditation scheme, the first of its kind in the UK to ensure a high degree of fidelity to the evidenced based approach and to provide a benchmark for other projects to emulate.

The Housing First Network is administered by Cymorth Cymru which collates data from all Housing First projects across Wales. This includes the number of people sustaining tenancies and engaged with local projects. The latest Housing First Tracker published on 10 October 2023, confirms the success of Housing First in Wales reflected by the 91% sustainment rate. Further information and key statistics can be found here.

To further our understanding of innovative homelessness interventions across Wales, including Housing First, I have commissioned research to evaluate and assess their success. This research is based on a case study approach and will include engagement of those with lived experience of current services. The findings will assist us in identifying best practice, and in the implementation of creative solutions to assist those with the most complex needs to move into suitable settled homes.

The evidence generated will also inform future policy and the development of legislation to end homelessness in Wales as set out in our recently published White Paper.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with Sian Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.