Sector Voices on the New Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill

This week, the Welsh Government introduced the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, marking a significant moment for housing in Wales. This long-awaited legislation promises to reform how homelessness is prevented and how social housing is allocated; emphasising early intervention, fairness, and consistency across the housing sector.

It’s a big moment for everyone involved in housing, from tenants, frontline staff, local authorities, housing associations, and third-sector organisations alike.

At TPAS Cymru, we know that those working in the sector have vital insights into what this Bill means in practice and how it could create positive change. That’s why we’ve been listening closely to initial reactions across the sector.

In this blog, we’re sharing a snapshot of what others are saying: what they welcome, where concerns lie, and what questions remain as the Bill makes its way through the Senedd.

Eleanor Roberts, Policy Lead at TPAS Cymru, commented:

"The introduction of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill offers a significant opportunity to transform housing policy here in Wales. Whilst we remain optimistic about the potential for positive change, it is important that the tenant experience remains central throughout the legislative process. By ensuring that tenants' voices are heard and valued, we can create a housing system that works not just for the present, but also for the future. "

Sector Reactions:

Crisis  - Welcomes the draft Bill, commenting that it has potential to ‘break ground’ in homelessness prevention.

Full response here: Crisis responds to milestone Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Bill | Crisis UK

Community Housing Cymru  - Supports the Bill’s aim to end homelessness and is engaging members to shape a full, informed response.

Full response: Good housing is a basic right for all, and we must work together to reduce the number of people currently homeless in Wales. We support the efforts this Bill makes to work towards this goal. Housing associations are keen to play their part through prevention, support and the allocation process to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and unrepeated. We believe creating the conditions for effective partnerships is key to achieving this.

We are continuing to digest the details of the Bill and engaging with our members to provide a detailed response to proposals in due course.

CIH Cymru  -Welcomes the Bill’s preventative focus but stresses investment in workforce and housing supply is essential to end homelessness. Full statement here.

Cymorth Cymru – Welcomes the Bill’s ambition to end homelessness and emphasises the need for investment in services, housing, and workforce.

Full statement here - Cymorth Cymru welcomes groundbreaking new Homelessness Bill - Cymorth Cymru

Shelter Cymru – Supports the Bill’s direction but urges stronger rights, clearer duties, and greater investment to make ending homelessness a reality.

Full statement here: Shelter Cymru response to Draft Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Bill - Shelter Cymru

End Youth Homelessness Cymru  - Welcomes the Bill but calls for stronger youth focus, accountability, and investment to prevent youth homelessness effectively.

Full statement here: End Youth Homelessness Cymru Welcomes Publication of Homelessness & Social Allocation Bill — End Youth Homelessness Cymru

Tai Pawb  - Welcomes the Bill’s aims and highlights the need for equality, anti-discrimination, and culturally appropriate support in homelessness prevention. Full statement here.

TPAS Cymru will continue to monitor the sector reaction and news on this important legislation and update this page accordingly.