What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support and improve coordination between local authorities to ensure that vulnerable people can access housing close to their established support networks?
The Welsh Government is working closely with all local authorities in Wales to plan implementation of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill. This includes implementation of the new local connection test and the related regulation making powers which will assist in clarifying the meaning of local connection and considering exemptions to the test, where this is necessary.
The Housing Support Grant is a key mechanism to prevent homelessness. Practice guidance specifically sets out a framework for regional working, requiring local authorities to collaborate on shared priorities and service planning. Better‑aligned planning and commissioning should help ensure that suitable accommodation and support services exist locally, reducing the need to move people away from their communities.