Feeling the squeeze in Caerphilly? The demand for temporary accommodation is soaring, with single-person households making up a staggering 70% of users. However, only 20% of the council’s housing stock is one-bedroom homes, creating a major bottleneck. This crunch isn’t just a Caerphilly problem; it’s affecting the whole of Wales.
Caerphilly Council is facing a projected £774,000 overspend on housing this year, largely driven by the increasing need for temporary solutions. With fewer private landlords around, more people are vying for fewer homes, and many end up in hotels or B&Bs, which are meant to be temporary shelters.
Councillor Shayne Cook highlights that the council is expanding its efforts, introducing new schemes tailored for those with additional needs. These include transitional and supported accommodation models to help individuals move smoothly to permanent housing. By reducing reliance on costly staffed housing and setting up homes for those no longer needing support, the council is freeing up much-needed space for those with higher needs.
To better support those in temporary solutions, the council is also offering commissioned psychology services and collaborating with local GP surgeries to provide drop-in clinics. Plus, they’re working on an exciting initiative for people with complex, co-occurring needs that’ll kick off in the next 18 months.
The housing pinch is real, but visionary schemes are paving the way for better support and stability—one step at a time. 🏡💼✨