Cabinet backs bid to increase homeless accommodation

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet is supporting further measures to increase temporary accommodation units and assistance for homeless people across the borough.

At a meeting on 15 December, cabinet members discussed a report which highlighted bids that have been submitted with registered social landlord partners and third sector support providers to Welsh Government for funding for both capital and revenue projects. Once complete, there will be up to 34 temporary accommodation units created in addition to increased support packages for those who are homeless.

In addition to funding bids, the council has been working with registered social landlords to develop a Rapid Rehousing Protocol to move people out of temporary accommodation since June. To date, 70 households have been rehoused, with a further 21 pending a move-in date.

Housing is often not the only support that some of our more vulnerable population need so I welcome the partnership working that is taking place on a regional basis in relation to substance abuse, which will offer support to people to improve their situation.

Cabinet member for social services and early help Nicole Burnett

The funding that has been provided by Welsh Government during the pandemic, and the contributions made by partners at this time has helped so much. These projects take into account the needs of Bridgend's homeless population and will be a big help in supporting them.

Cabinet member for wellbeing and future generations Dhanisha Patel

Currently, around 125 households are being supported in temporary accommodation across the county borough.

Cabinet members agreed to support the collaborative working arrangement to increase the number of temporary units available and also the Rapid Rehousing Protocol.