Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the discrepancy in the number of people noted as sleeping rough in Wales, and the number of available emergency beds within each authority?
This count took place early in winter to provide a picture of rough sleeping before seasonal facilities were up and running. We now have a more detailed understanding of rough sleeping.
The numbers give me cause for concern. I will be writing to local authorities to highlight my expectations on the use of the information to identify gaps in local provision and to inform the deployment of resources to focus support where it is needed.
I am pleased our new homelessness legislation has helped around 3,500 single homeless people to secure accommodation since commencement. They would not necessarily have received help and support under the previous legislation.