1. Regional Homelessness Data Summary 2015/16
Bridgend
Neath & Port Talbot
Swansea

2. Some Context
Housing (Wales) Act 2014 implemented on 27th April huge changes both in terms of what we do and what statistics are collated. Duties for all.
Difficult/Impossible to measure from previous years. Also, the 1st quarter slightly skewed
Inconsistencies in recording
Transitional Funding – Short term gain but what of the future? eg staffing levels / funding the private rented sector / will we have the resources to offer support?

3. Main Reasons for Homelessness for 15/16
Loss of private rented accommodation;
Parental Breakdown
Domestic Violence
Relationship Breakdown
Leaving Prison
Same pattern across all Authorities and this pattern has remained year on year
Discussion
Given the causes of homelessness , on a regional level what role can SP have in helping with the homelessness prevention and relief duties ?

4. Are we preventing Homelessness
Bridgend
NPT
Swansea
Total
Total Outcomes
722
625
1,170
2,517
Cases Successfully Prevented/Alleviated
365 (51%)
380 (61%)
825 (70%)
1570 (61%)
Early signs are good and prevention agenda seems to be working
Fairly consistent across the 3 Authorities
Discussion
How can we build on this / Is it sustainable? / What role can SP play?

5. How are we preventing Homelessness
Bridgend
NPT
Swansea
Totals
Private Rented Sector
155 92
287
534
Local Authority
376
RSL’s
105
102 40
247
Supported Housing 65 20 78
163
Huge reliance on the private rented sector in 15/16.
Over 50% housed in the PRS was as a direct result of prevention funds available through the transitional funding.
Discussion – From a Regional perspective;
a) How will be able to properly resource PRS schemes in the future;
b) What can we offer landlords if prevention fund not available;
c) Are those in the PRS getting the right support?

6. Bed & Breakfast Update
Bridgend
NPT
Swansea
Total
Quarter 1 11 1 15 27
Quarter 2 10 4 24
Quarter 3 7 3 20
Quarter 4 5
Priority of WG to reduce B&B and if possible to eradicate this particularly for young people.
Regional figures suggest that the trend is going in the right direction
However, all 3 LA’s have complex needs cases where finding a solution is very difficult. Help needed in this area?

7. Rough Sleeping Bridgend NPT Swansea Total Actual Count (Nov 15) 6 5 115 11
Estimated Rough Sleepers 3 19 28
How do we compare:
Newport
Wrexham
Cardiff
Total
Actual Count (Nov 15) 8 17 30 55
Estimated Rough Sleepers 31 64
103

8. Rough Sleeping
Figures confirm that, in comparison, at present the region is not experiencing major problems with rough sleeping.
However, we still need to try and tackle those entrenched rough sleepers (if they want assistance).
Needs are too high for existing supported housing projects? What options

9. Other Issues to Consider
Early indication from recent survey showing that Local Connection not really an issue in our region . Different story in Cardiff and surrounding area perhaps.
What impact will Welfare Reform / Universal Credit have on homelessness; Under 35’s - help!
Shared housing – how do we tackle this issue.

10. Summary
Sourcing accommodation and maintaining accommodation in PR sector is crucial going forward;
What options can we consider for the most vulnerable client group eg bespoke support?
Reduction in Transitional Funding is a real concern across the Region
What Opportunities are there to do things collaboratively eg training / Shared Housing