Written question WQ99266
- Asked by
- Tom MontgomeryReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What guidance is the Welsh Government providing to local authorities regarding supporting veterans at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, particularly in relation to the local connection requirements?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning (Siân Gwenllian)
One of my key priorities is improving and increasing homelessness prevention services for everyone at risk of homelessness, including serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces.
Local authorities in Wales, must have regard to the Welsh Government Code of Guidance for Local Authorities on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness. This detailed guidance, supports local authorities in delivering their statutory obligations, and includes information on the parameters of the local connection referral process. It also includes advice specific to supporting veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and for those veterans who are seeking access to social housing accommodation.
In addition to this, the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel provides advice and guidance to those due to leave the Armed Forces as well as signposting information to veterans seeking housing support. The work to implement the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026 will include a review and update of the National Pathway. This will involve working closely with Local Authorities and the Armed Forces sector to ensure it is consistently applied across Wales.