National Assembly for Wales

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to provide a new framework for help and support for vulnerable people placed in temporary accommodation. 

2. Notes that the purpose of this Bill would be:

a) to create a single regulatory framework for the safeguarding of vulnerable people within temporary accommodation settings.

b) to place a specific statutory obligation on the owners or operators of hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts and other premises providing lodging to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable residents. 

c) for this obligation to include a requirement to undertake regular welfare checks on vulnerable residents and to notify a designated local authority and relevant public agencies of any deterioration in a resident’s condition or circumstances in which they present or are understood to present a danger to themselves or others at the earliest possible opportunity. 

d) to create a new duty on local authorities to ensure the well-being of residents in all settings providing lodging to vulnerable residents and for this to include an initial safeguarding assessment and interview at point of admission in order to identify specific needs.

e) to provide police forces and local authorities with the power to issue closure notices to premises identified as being in breach of their obligations, or where reasonable grounds exist to believe that residents have demonstrated an immediate or ongoing danger to themselves or others or where there has been a significant danger or disturbance affecting local communities.