Rough sleeping is a real problem in the UK – and as the weather gets colder, it can be especially dangerous. Now, fortunately, the Welsh government is doing something pretty radical to tackle the crisis.
As part of its new £30 million Ending Homelessness Action Plan, Wales will guarantee 90 percent of rent to landlords who house homeless people in their properties. They’re offering an extra pot of money to ensure the homes are properly habitable, too.
This isn’t just a quick fix, either. Tenants will be given leases that last between five and 20 years (depending on individual circumstances) so they can actually settle down and not have to worry about moving out every year. They will also have access to mental health support and money management advice.
Last year, around 30,000 households applied for homelessness assistance in Wales, and the aim is eventually to provide homes for all of them by 2026. In a separate but linked scheme, the country will also build 20,000 low-carbon affordable homes to help stave off further housing crises.
It follows the rollout of similar schemes in Wigan in Lancashire, Wakefield in Yorkshire and Tower Hamlets in London (though none of these were on such a large scale). Here’s hoping the rest of the UK gets in on the action too.
Now read about how pod houses are providing a way out of homelessness across Europe.