The Welsh Government has today announced that the Housing Support Grant will receive a total uplift of £13 million in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24.
This follows the announcement yesterday, that the Homelessness Support and Prevention Budget Expenditure Line would be uplifted by £5 million.
The Minister for Climate Change has decided to allocate this, plus an additional £8 million, to the Housing Support Grant in recognition of the severe pressures facing services.
This equates to a c7.8% increase on HSG funding and the Minister has allocated this additional funding with the very clear expectation that this should be used to address pay pressures in the first instance, and assist commissioners in supporting providers to deliver on the Welsh Government’s broader commitment to Fair Work and the Real Living Wage.
Reacting to the additional funding for the Housing Support Grant, Cymorth Cymru Director Katie Dalton said:
“It is fantastic news that the Housing Support Grant will be increased by £13 million in 2024/25.
“We are grateful to the Minister for Climate Change for listening to our concerns, and for her leadership in securing additional funds for these vital services.
“We will now work with the Welsh Government and local authorities to ensure that this funding reaches services and delivers an increase in wages for these exceptional staff.
“Looking to the future, it is clear that the homelessness and housing support sector needs a sustainable funding settlement, and for everyone doing this life-changing work to be guaranteed at least the Real Living Wage.”
