Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Housing Solicitors

Tackling homelessness and adverse child experiences “top of agenda” for Welsh Assembly Communities Secretary (4 July 2016)

Date: 04/07/2016
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Tackling homelessness and adverse child experiences “top of agenda” for Welsh Assembly Communities Secretary

Welsh Assembly Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant has told Shelter Cymru’s annual conference that he is determined to do everything in his power to address the problem of homelessness and adverse childhood experiences as a result of homelessness.

In his first speech since assuming responsibility for housing in Wales, Mr Sargeant said that both issues were top of his agenda as Communities Secretary.

Mr Sargeant highlighted the emphasis on homelessness prevention in the Housing (Wales) Act, which he took through the Assembly in 2014 – and the Welsh government’s commitment to making sure that this is implemented in practice.

He also reminded delegates of the Welsh government’s commitment to increase housing supply, by doubling the number of new affordable homes to 20,000.

“Providing people with a safe, warm and secure home remains a key priority,” Mr Sargeant said.

“This is why we have committed to an ambitious target of providing a further 20,000 affordable homes during this term of government – we have made good progress in this area, but we will do more.”

He added that he also wanted to make greater progress in reducing the number of young people placed in bed and breakfast accommodation.

“We have already taken steps to ensure closer working between homelessness teams and children’s services in local authorities – but I want much more done to avoid the use of temporary accommodation.

“I understand the calls for an outright ban, but need to have another alternative in place to avoid young people having to be sent to accommodation miles away from family, friends and training or education placements.

“I am very pleased that more than half of our local authorities no longer use bed and breakfast accommodation for young people – but I believe that there is more we can do to encourage children’s services to work even more closely with their housing colleagues when planning and delivering services.”

Mr Sargeant said that key organisations would meet to discuss the issue in July – and new plans on youth homelessness prevention and care leavers’ accommodation would be published shortly.

He added that he was “fundamentally committed” to doing everything he could to give children in Wales the very best start in life – and to giving every young person the same opportunities.

“Issues such as domestic violence or substance misuse can have a devastating impact on a young person’s life,” Mr Sargeant said.

“I want to find new and innovative ways in which we can break the cycle of damaging childhood experiences – providing access to a safe secure home can play a crucial role in this.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising on homelessness and council’s obligation to re-house under the Housing Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across the UK and our housing team are also able to advise on:

• Conveyancing services
• Debt management for homeowners
• Disrepair of rented property
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Landlords’ obligations
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Lease extensions
• Local Authority housing
• Mortgage repossession
• Notice to quit
• Nuisance neighbours
• Right to Buy
• Right to Rent checks
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


For all Housing related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.