Wales’ number of rough sleepers still on the rise
The number of people sleeping rough in Wales continues to increase, according to new figures – with nearly 350 people estimated to be bedding down on the country’s streets.
Based on the information gathered in the two weeks between October 16 and 29, 2017, by local agencies, health organisations and other community service groups in contact with rough sleepers, local authorities estimate that 345 persons were sleeping rough across Wales over this period.
This is an increase of 10% compared with the exercise carried out in October 2016.
Although Cardiff had the highest number of estimated rough sleepers over the two-week period, 92 up from 85 the year before, the highest rate was seen in Wrexham at 3.3 rough sleepers per 10,000 persons.
Wrexham was followed by Gwynedd, with a rate of 2.7 estimated rough sleepers per 10,000 persons, and Cardiff, with a rate of 2.5 estimated rough sleepers per 10,000 persons.
Commenting on the statistics Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, called them “alarming”.
He said: “The rise in rough sleeping across Wales is alarming. If left unchecked rough sleeping could double in the next 20 years, according to Crisis research. But we have evidence to show how this situation can be turned around, and call on Welsh Government to work with us to develop the solutions to end rough sleeping for good.
“Behind these numbers are many people forced to sleep in dangerous and freezing conditions. Rough sleeping ruins lives, leaving people vulnerable to violence and abuse, and takes a dreadful toll on mental and physical health.
“Wales has made big steps forward in tackling homelessness in recent years and we are ready to work closely with Welsh Government to ensure people who have to sleep rough can get into a suitable home as early as possible. We know more than ever about what works to end rough sleeping, so now is the time to take swift action together to end it for good.”
Cardiff Council cabinet member for housing and communities Lynda Thorne said: “Addressing rough sleeping remains a priority for the council. Working with a number of partners, we have a positive and proactive approach to assisting rough sleepers into accommodation and offer help and advice for individuals to engage with the wide range of services available in the city.
“We have a number of innovative housing projects to help address rough sleeping, and since April 2017 we have helped 151 rough sleepers into accommodation.
“We have 216 hostel places, 45 emergency beds and 390 supported accommodation units in the city, as well as an additional 86 emergency bed spaces this winter – more than ever before.
“There is no need for anyone to sleep out at night, and if people engage with us and the services on offer in the city, we will do everything we can to help them.
“But sadly it’s far more complicated than simply putting a roof over a person’s head at night.
“Many of those who sleep on the streets have very complex needs and often choose not to access accommodation. The emergency cold weather provision has had availability on every night since opening in November, so in circumstances when people choose not to access accommodation our Outreach team works directly with them on a daily basis.
“We’re continuing to work hard to support people into services where they can move away from life on the streets and begin to turn their lives around.”
Plaid Cymru’s shadow cabinet secretary for housing, Bethan Jenkins AM, called the figures “concerning”.
She said: “These figures are concerning but not a surprise.
“They are why Plaid Cymru has tried to abolish priority need in favour of a general duty to secure accommodation, and why we have been pushing for housing first solutions.
“Unfortunately Labour’s Welsh branch hasn’t been willing to commit to these preventative measures that could have mitigated Tory welfare cuts, perhaps hoping that visible evidence of homelessness will help them win marginal constituencies through guilt-tripping current Tory voters.
“The figures also show that the taxpayer will be picking up the increased bill from a failure to prevent homelessness, as all the research demonstrates preventing and rapidly resolving homelessness costs far less to public services than allowing it to happen.”