Brief Updates

Ending the trauma of homelessness

It is a crucial time in terms of the goal of achieving decent homes for all. Amid the global economic upheaval of 2008 and 2009, the Welsh Government has been setting out its vision and direction with regard to tackling homelessness and providing decent and affordable homes. Shelter Cymru’s work is to influence this process and our input has succeeded in strengthening the vision – to minimising the trauma of homelessness – and making major reform of homelessness legislation a central aim within the ten year homelessness plan.

Further info: Shelter Cymru responses to consultations, Now is the Time campaign

Empty Homes

Effective use of privately owned empty homes can make a significant contribution to meet housing need in Wales. Our empty homes project is an all-Wales initiative that is strategically important in supporting local authorities to utilise empty homes for affordable housing.

Our campaign also includes lobbying the Assembly Government to provide local authorities with funding that is ring-fenced for bringing empty homes back into use for affordable housing. Specifically, the Welsh Government should explore options such as encouraging local authorities to charge 100% council tax on empty homes and, if this happens, not clawing back the subsidy currently paid. The revenue raised through empty homes should be used to fund local initiatives to bring empty homes back into use.

Further info: empty homes project

Homelessness amongst East European migrant workers

Our Big Lottery funded research into the experiences of east European migrant workers in Wales is progressing well. A literature review has been completed and interviewing participants has begun in the three case study areas of Carmarthenshire, Bridgend and Wrexham. The next phase of the research will also include conducting focus groups and interviews with stakeholders. An article on the preliminary findings of the research will appear in the second edition of the Policy E-letter at the end of 2009.

Further info: project details