To coincide with today's World Homelessness Day (10 October) the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Housing Minister, Rebecca Evans AM, to work with the party and the sector to increase support to prevent homelessness and for projects that help people off the streets.

Sleeping Rough by Steven Lilley is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Recent Welsh Government statistics show that the number of households threatened with homelessness went up 14%, whilst the number of households in 'temporary accommodation' (2,142) has increased by 8%. 219 of these were in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Joe Carter commented:

The Welsh Liberal Democrats made housing a priority within the Progressive Agreement, and I am proud that thanks to us 20,000 more affordable homes are being built, a Rent to Own scheme has been introduced, and our calls for a dedicated Housing support grant were accepted, but we all need to do more.

Having won the battle to protect a dedicated Housing Support Grant, we need to work with the third sector to make the case within the Welsh Government to expand this grant, so we can provide sustainable solutions to help people into a home.