In the face of a persistent housing crisis, Cardiff Council has unveiled a refreshed Housing Support Programme Strategy for 2022-2026. This initiative not only highlights the significant strides made over the past two years but also underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing homelessness and providing housing-related support in the Welsh capital.
Achievements Amidst Adversity
Despite the formidable challenges posed by the housing emergency, Cardiff Council has achieved notable milestones:
- Expansion of Housing Stock: Since January 2023, the Council has delivered 253 new council homes through its development programme. Collaborations with Registered Social Landlords have added over 150 new accommodation units, including specialised housing for young people.
- Enhanced Support Services: The establishment of the Landlord Enquiry & Tenants Services (LETS) team has bolstered support for private landlords, resulting in 93 affordable homes via Leasing Scheme Wales. Additionally, the Homeless Multi-Disciplinary Team has been expanded to assist individuals facing recurrent homelessness, and a dedicated team now supports 16 to 25-year-olds with complex needs through targeted outreach and therapeutic interventions.
- Improved Accessibility and Prevention: Waiting times for homeless prevention appointments have been significantly reduced from 36 working days in July 2022 to just five in October 2024. Prevention services are now more accessible, being available in community hubs across the city. In the 2023/24 period, 77% of households at risk were successfully prevented from becoming homeless.
The Stark Reality: Escalating Demand
Despite these advancements, the demand for housing and support services continues to surge. Between 2020/21 and 2023/24:
- Households threatened with homelessness increased by over 20%, rising from 1,701 to 2,149.
- There was a 108% surge in individuals facing homelessness due to the loss of rented accommodation.
- Households deemed homeless, necessitating permanent housing, grew by 66%, from 431 to 714.
- The social housing waiting list expanded by 24%, from 7,700 in November 2021 to 9,500 in November 2024.
- Social housing allocations decreased by 17%, from 1,504 to 1,248, leading to prolonged waiting periods for applicants.
Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, remarked: “The figures in the report speak for themselves—they paint a picture of more people than ever before needing our help, driven by factors such as issues within the private rented sector in Cardiff and a rise in the number of prison leavers requiring support.”
Strategic Priorities Moving Forward
In response to these challenges, the Council is prioritising:
- Increasing Social Housing Supply: Recognising the mismatch between demand and supply, efforts are underway to deliver new supported housing schemes, enhance existing provisions, and secure quality supported accommodation for families to reduce reliance on temporary solutions like hotels.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborations with various stakeholders, including the Welsh Government, are essential to address systemic issues and implement sustainable solutions.
- Focusing on Prevention: Emphasising early intervention to prevent homelessness before it occurs, thereby reducing the strain on emergency services and temporary accommodations.
A Broader Perspective
Cardiff’s housing crisis is a microcosm of a nationwide issue that demands coordinated action between local councils and the central government. The Welsh Government’s Housing Support Grant underscores a commitment to preventing homelessness and supporting independent living. However, the escalating demand in Cardiff suggests that current funding and strategies may be insufficient to address the root causes of housing insecurity.
The private rented sector’s instability, coupled with a shortage of affordable housing, exacerbates the crisis. Policy interventions at the national level, such as rent controls, incentives for affordable housing development, and reforms to tenant rights, could provide the necessary framework to alleviate pressures faced by local councils.
Final Thought: Bridging Local and National Efforts
The challenges outlined in Cardiff’s refreshed strategy are not isolated incidents but reflect broader systemic issues affecting communities across the UK. Platforms like Chamber UK play a crucial role in connecting local councils to the House of Commons, facilitating dialogue, and advocating for policies that address these pressing issues.
By highlighting Cardiff’s proactive measures and the persistent challenges it faces, there is an opportunity to influence national policy, secure necessary resources, and implement comprehensive solutions that ensure safe and affordable housing for all.
As the housing crisis continues to evolve, it is imperative that both local and national entities collaborate effectively, share best practices, and commit to long-term strategies that prioritise the well-being of all citizens.
At Chamber UK, we seek to connect the council to the commons, if you are a Local Councillor wanting to shed light on a policy issue affecting your residents, please email info@politicsuk.com for more information.
