The Eyewatering Expenditure on Homeless Crisis by a Welsh Council
One Welsh council, Merthyr Tydfil, is forecasted to spend a staggering amount in tackling its homeless crisis. A recent report for the council’s regeneration and public protection committee outlines that the expenditure on temporary accommodation is expected to reach £1.24 million for the financial year 2024/25. This is a significant increase from the pre-pandemic figure of £183,947 in 2019/20, with the gross spend in 2023/24 totaling £2.67 million.
Highlights of the Report:
- As of August 9, 2024, the council had 144 households accommodated in local and out-of-county temporary housing.
- Temporary accommodation expenditure has surged from £183,947 pre-pandemic to £1.24 million for 2024/25.
- Expected savings by reducing the use of some B&Bs could reach around £427,000 for the upcoming financial year.
- Anticipated challenges include limited move-on accommodation due to a lack of affordable single-person housing.
The council acknowledges the impact of changes in homelessness legislation during the pandemic, leading to increased demand for temporary accommodation. The report mentions that homelessness services might face further strain as legislative reforms progress to focus on prevention and rapid rehousing.
What the Council is Doing to Address the Issue:
- Developing strategic housing projects such as Cefn Isaf, Springfield Rise, and Haydn Terrace to provide more homes.
- Collaborating with housing associations to deliver supported accommodation units for vulnerable individuals.
- Seeking grants to fund additional supported accommodation and reduce dependence on B&Bs.
- Enhancing frontline services to prevent homelessness and facilitate sustainable housing solutions.
Despite ongoing efforts, challenges persist, with prolonged stays in B&Bs posing difficulties for managing complex cases. The council remains committed to addressing the homeless crisis while navigating funding constraints and evolving legislative frameworks.