 The Commission of Inquiry into homelessness and poor housing conditions in Wales launch their final report during ‘People and Homes’ Shelter Cymru’s annual conference on June 28th at the Village Hotel in Swansea.
The report, titled "An unnatural disaster" contains details from the evidence given and key proposals for the future of housing in Wales. Recommendations include putting people’s homes as a new priority for the Welsh Assembly Government, investment secured to build and improve the housing resource and a new approach must be delivered to tackle the housing crisis.
The year-long inquiry into homelessness and poor housing in Wales took the eight Commissioners across Wales to six different locations. Over 160 people gave evidence to the panel and over 80 different groups were represented. People spoke of their experiences of living in poor conditions, homelessness, its effects on their children, families and wider social circle, agencies and politicians gave accounts of their work with groups in and around the sector.
The Archbishop gave his thoughts on the conclusion of the investigation. “The inquiry brought many different issues to the Commissioners but it was listening to the experiences of individuals who were homeless or living in appalling conditions that made the most impact on us. To many people in Wales the notion that there is still poverty and homelessness in our country may be unbelievable.”
He added “We hope that the new Government of Wales shows leadership and political will on the need for more affordable homes and a determination to end homelessness once and for all.”
The report centers around three key themes: homelessness and a new priority for people’s homes; affordable housing and a new approach.
John Puzey, Director of Shelter Cymru said ”The report is a culmination of 14 months of difficult and emotional work by everyone involved including Commissioners and the hundreds of people, organisations and political representatives who gave evidence. Homelessness and poor housing is an unnatural disaster and in the words of an evidence giver, “with political will we can change this situation – we can make Wales a country free of poverty and homelessness. Early indications show that the new Government is making housing a national priority and it is our job to make sure it stays there.“
Visit our library for a copy of the report. |
