A NEW “rapid re-housing” strategy to help to help vulnerable homeless people has been backed by Conwy Council’s cabinet. and will now go out to consultation.

The report – the Draft Housing Support Programme – outlined how Conwy could deliver a high-quality housing support service around the needs of those who find themselves homeless or at risk – with an emphasis on rapid housing.

Earlier this year figures revealed that Conwy had the fourth-highest number of people living in temporary accommodation in Wales. The new strategy is aimed to help people suffering from problems such as complex needs, domestic abuse, and addiction.

Priorities include rapid rehousing to homeless prevention, ending youth homelessness, and increasing the availability of services for offenders. The strategy also sets out a commitment to helping those with complex needs and additional services for people fleeing domestic abuse.

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Conwy Council leader Cllr Charlie McCoubrey presented the report at a meeting in Bodlondeb yesterday afternoon: “Our vision is that we will work together to take a proactive approach to the early intervention and prevention of homelessness.

“Our vision is that we will work together to take a proactive approach to the early intervention and prevention of homelessness.

“When homelessness can not be prevented, we will ensure that support and our accommodation are available to help people regain their place in the community of their choice, maintain their accommodation, and remain independent.”

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In accordance with the Welsh Government’s Housing Support Grant (HSG), all councils are required to develop a four-year housing support programme strategy.

Councillors heard how Welsh Government had indicated they would provide around £8.6m up to 2025 to help the council with homelessness.

The report specifies that people under threat of homelessness should be able to access advice and assistance to remain in their accommodation.

The strategy also says temporary accommodation must be of a high standard and that people will be supported so they can remain independent.

When homelessness does occur, Conwy will strive to make it ‘rare, brief, and not repeated’, states the report.

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Cllr Goronwy Edwards said homelessness was of great concern within the county.

“This is a very thorough report that does highlight the serious situation that Conwy faces, not just Conwy, but it is a national situation,” he said.

“Homelessness is a great concern to us all, and the fact we have funding from the Welsh Government indicates the gravity of the situation, but we will be struggling this year to provide accommodation for all these people presenting homeless. There are massive challenges out there in the rented sector and everywhere else.”

The chamber heard how the strategy had already been backed by the council’s scrutiny committee.

Several councillors raised the issue of Welsh Government legislation being tightened to improve living standards.

But councillors said this same legislation had led to private landlords walking away from the sector causing more people to become homeless.