Swansea Council tackling homelessness head on

Efforts to tackle homelessness in Swansea are continuing with the Council promising to provide accommodation to those that need it.

The promise made by Swansea Council before the covid pandemic took hold in 2020 has led to nearly 1,100 households being moved from temporary accommodation into permanent accommodation.

Latest statistics published by the Council show that 192 households are in temporary accommodation and are all being supported while they are assisted into more permanent homes.

As well as using existing council homes to provide the temporary arrangements, the Council has also used WG funding to create a series of innovative housing pods which are able to accommodate single people. Funding was also used to purchase ex-council flats and provide additional single person accommodation for those in need.

Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said: “We were quick to recognise the challenges the public face in securing homes, particularly during the pandemic. Welsh Government funding enabled us to put together a plan to create more housing in the city.

“This has been a huge benefit in terms of not only providing temporary accommodation for those becoming homeless, but also making sure those in temporary accommodation can move into permanent homes.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve moved more than 1000 household in permanent accommodation, helping families and single people to have a secure and safe place to live.

“More than 70 new units of accommodation have been created, including some provided by social housing landlords who are working with the council to tackle the problem of homelessness.”

More recently the Council agreed a new four-year plan – the Housing Support Programme Strategy, which outlines how it will help those at risk of homelessness as well as supporting rough sleepers.

Taking the council through to 2026, the strategy and action plan sets out it intentions to prevent homelessness in the city, working with charities and external housing providers.

Cllr Lewis added: “The new plan gives us a clear direction in which we can move forward with all partners to ensure those at risk of homelessness are supported.

“Now as the cost of living crisis begins to bite, we will ensure that the appropriate support is in place for those that need it.”