Wrexham awarded share of Welsh Government funding to tackle homelessness and increase emergency night shelter capacity

Wrexham is set to benefit from additional Welsh Government funding aimed at tackling youth homelessness and rough sleeping.

The £2.1m fund was originally announced in August and local Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths urged Wrexham Council to apply.

Homelessness has been a frequent topic of debate in Wrexham over recent months, with the encampment on the Groves resulting in calls from the public for more action to be taken.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Wrexham, along with Cardiff, Newport and Swansea would benefit from a share of the £2.1m.

The funding has been allocated to projects which tackle rough sleeping, youth homelessness, mental health and homelessness as well as supporting people to find housing in the private rented sector.

Wrexham, along with the three authorities listed above, will also receive a share of an additional £500,000 of capital funding, which aims to increase the capacity of emergency night provision for rough sleepers.

Welcoming the announcement, Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said: “After urging the Local Authority to bid for the additional Welsh Government investment in August, I am pleased Wrexham has received the extra funding.”

“Homelessness has become a key issue locally in recent months and although relevant local groups and agencies were helping tackle the issues, there needed to be greater leadership and organisation from the Local Authority.

“I am attending the ‘Gold Level Group’ meetings, recently set up by Wrexham Council, which is convening regularly and helping coordinate services appropriately, as well as developing longer-term solutions.”

“I am sure this additional Welsh Government investment will be welcomed and can have a positive impact.”

We have contacted Wrexham Council to confirm how much funding they have been awarded and what they intend to spend it on. We also asked what its plans are to increase the provision at emergency night shelters. We will update as and when we have a comment / further information