Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru report highlights housing concerns

The Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru (CIH Cymru) has published its third Joining the Dots report on those working in Welsh local authorities' housing departments.

The report looks out how local authorities supported record numbers of people from homelessness into housing during the pandemic.

It also highlights staff concerns about failings in the system including a lack of land and capacity. Fewer than 50 per cent of housing professionals are confident that government targets for low-carbon homes will be met in their area.

Furthermore, 75 per cent of housing staff believe their mental health has worsened since March 2020.

Those responding to the survey voiced their concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and the availability of support services, as well as a lack of affordable housing options locally and landlords leaving the private rented sector.

Surveys were conducted in March 2020, January 2021 and June 2022 and show the impact of the pandemic.

Catherine May, manager of the Tyfu Tai Cymru project at CIH Cymru said:

“When we undertook the first of this series of surveys, we had no idea that so much of the work of housing departments was about to change with a focus on keeping people healthy as never before. The responses each time have told us how proud staff are of the work they do to provide people with a roof over the heads and to support each other. They also tell us of the need to go further and provide more permanent solutions across all areas of Wales.

We hope that this report will encourage discussion of the impact of the pressure staff are under as communities are experiencing the repercussions of the cost-of-living crisis and housing departments continue to be the frontline of support for so many people”