Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the publication of the Homelessness Action Group’s report Preventing rough sleeping in Wales and reducing it in the short-term.
The report recommends ways to reduce the number of people sleeping rough this winter; alongside outlining potential ways to end rough sleeping in the long term.
The Homelessness Action Group includes homelessness charities, local authorities, police forces, health boards, local government, housing associations, representative bodies and academics.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Joe Carter commented:
I welcome this first report by the Homelessness Action Group. This informed report sets out steps policymakers must take to help create a Wales where no-one need sleep rough.
It is time we took a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to rough sleeping. The UK Government must start by repealing the cruel and outdated Vagrancy Act.
We’re proud Lib Dem MP Layla Moran has led the campaign in Westminster to repeal the Vagrancy Act, we will continue to vigorously support Layla’s campaign.
We also urge the Welsh Government, local authorities and housing associations to work together to put in place the necessary changes not only to end rough sleeping, but to end all forms of homelessness in Wales.