Nearly 7,000 people are on the council housing waiting list in Vale of Glamorgan, according to council leader, Cllr Lis Burnett. She revealed at a recent full council meeting that 6,930 applicants were registered on the local authority’s council housing scheme, Homes4U, as of Monday, September 23. During the meeting on Monday, September 30, in response to a question about housing and homelessness figures, Cllr Burnett also noted that 204 households were recorded as homeless.
Years ago, Vale of Glamorgan Council prided itself on having no residents in temporary accommodation, but the current situation paints a different picture. Cllr Burnett highlighted the existing housing crisis in the UK, acknowledging a significant increase in demand for affordable housing. A previous report in February 2024 indicated 6,200 people were waiting for council housing in the area.
A Vale of Glamorgan Council report highlighted that 19% of those on the waiting list were considered to be in the highest need categories, which included individuals escaping domestic abuse and those with severe medical conditions. The council mentioned the ongoing use of the Rhoose Holiday Inn Express to provide emergency accommodation, with a particular focus on assisting families with children. Vale of Glamorgan Council’s contract with the hotel extends until March 31, 2025.
The council also utilises other temporary accommodations such as hotels, council homes, hostels, and privately-rented housing to support individuals and families facing homelessness. The aim is to minimize the reliance on such temporary solutions moving forward. At a scrutiny committee meeting in February 2024, Nick Jones, the operational manager for the council’s public housing services, shared insights into the average stay durations for families and single individuals at the Holiday Inn Express in Rhoose.
As the housing crisis persists, Vale of Glamorgan Council continues to grapple with the challenges of providing adequate housing for its residents. The rising number of individuals in need of housing assistance underscores the critical nature of affordable housing initiatives within the region.