Chilling Challenges of Running a Welsh Council Amid Homelessness Crisis

The Vale of Glamorgan faces unprecedented homelessness levels, prompting urgent council actions and community concerns over housing solutions

Chilling Challenges of Running a Welsh Council Amid Homelessness Crisis
Chilling Challenges of Running a Welsh Council Amid Homelessness Crisis

Vale of Glamorgan: The leader of the council, Cllr Lis Burnett, has raised alarms about the rising homelessness in the area. She mentioned that the numbers are the highest they’ve been in years. It’s a tough situation, and they haven’t had to use hotels for housing in over a decade.

In 2024, they decided to use The Holiday Inn at Cardiff Airport to temporarily house those in need. The waiting list for housing has skyrocketed, with nearly 7,000 people waiting for a place to call home.

At the same time, there are over 200 households officially homeless. The pressure has been mounting, with the waiting list growing from 6,200 earlier in the year. It’s a real struggle for many families.

Cllr Burnett pointed out that this issue isn’t just local; it’s a widespread problem across Wales. Many private landlords are leaving the rental market, and rents have shot up, making it hard for families to afford housing.

Another challenge has been the development of Heol Croeso, a temporary site for Ukrainian refugees and local homeless families. Some residents were unhappy with how quickly the plans were pushed through, using special planning powers.

Heol Croeso is meant to help ease the housing crisis, but it faced opposition from locals. They were concerned about the proximity of the portable homes to their properties and the lack of consultation before the plans were approved.

Cllr Burnett emphasized the dire conditions for families living in hotels or hostels, lacking basic cooking facilities. It’s not a sustainable way to live, especially for kids.

The council’s draft corporate plan for 2025-2030 has come under fire for lacking detail, but Cllr Burnett defended it as a brave step forward. She highlighted ongoing projects, like the redevelopment of Broad Street Clinic in Barry, which aims to improve local health services.

Despite the financial challenges, including a projected budget gap of over £9 million, Cllr Burnett remains optimistic. The council is looking for innovative ways to deliver services and is prioritizing education, social care, and housing.

She acknowledged the ongoing financial pressures faced by councils across Wales, with many struggling to balance their budgets. The conversation among council leaders often revolves around how to cope with these challenges.

While some councils in England are facing bankruptcy, Cllr Burnett believes that the situation in Wales is different. She expressed concerns about the implications of a section 114 notice, which would severely limit the council’s ability to provide services.

Despite the challenges, there are reasons for hope. Following the recent UK Government budget, Barry is set to receive significant funding for town regeneration projects. Cllr Burnett is eager to engage with the community to determine what success looks like for them.

With funding for various projects, including improvements to the marina and high street, the council is looking forward to a brighter future. They just need to navigate through the current difficulties first.

Image Credits and Reference: https://uk.yahoo.com/news/absolutely-chilling-challenges-running-welsh-040000765.html

Mangesh Wakchaure is an experienced journalist with a passion for writing about current events and social issues. He brings insightful perspectives to every story he covers.