Accommodation
Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (Wales) Order 2006
The Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (Wales) Order 2006 [opens in new window], which supports the National Homelessness Strategy for Wales [opens in new window], became legislation 8 March 2006.
The passing of the Order meets the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to bring in legislation to restrict the use of bed-and-breakfast for homeless people and to raise standards in temporary accommodation.
Click to download a summary of the main features of the legislation [72Kb PDF, opens in new window].
The legislation will come into effect, in Wales only, in three stages.
- The first stage of implementation, which came into effect in April 2006, requires local authorities to consider the health, social and personal needs of homeless people in securing suitable accommodation for them. This was already expected in statutory guidance.
- The second stage, from April 2007, requires urgent planning to ensure that alternatives to bed-and-breakfast are provided for families with children, pregnant women and 16–17-year-olds. Where bed-and-breakfast premises are continued to be used, particularly for longer periods, YOTs should work with proprietors to ensure that standards are met.
- The third stage, from April 2008, extends the restrictions on the use of bed-and-breakfast to all priority need groups and extends the application of higher standards to all shared accommodation. This will be of particular relevance to former prisoners with a local connection.
Contacts
The Welsh Assembly Government are happy to offer advice in taking this process forward. For further information, contact Repa Antonio on 02920 825 437.