MORE funding to tackle youth homelessness and rough sleeping across Wales has been announced by Welsh Government.

The cabinet secretary for communities and children Carl Sargeant, confirmed last Thursday that an extra £500,000 would be added to an existing pot of £2.1million to tackle the issue.

The funding will be allocated to various homelessness projects alongside supporting people to find private housing.

Mr Sargeant said “providing people with a safe, warm and secure home remains a key priority”, and added that there is more than can be done for rough sleepers and “groups who are struggling to get the help they need”.

The announcement coincides with new homelessness figures from April to June 2017, based on information from 21 of the 22 Wales local authorities.

Stats show homelessness was prevented, for at least six months, for 63 households threatened.

Of the 2,652 households assessed as being homeless during April to June, 39 per cent were helped by local authorities to secure accommodation that was likely to last for six months.

Stats also show detailed breakdowns of households who “have had assistance provided” from local authorities.

In Torfaen, 117 people were prevented from homelessness, including 63 single person households and 351 service users in total.

A spokesman for Torfaen council said: “We have a duty to assess everybody who approaches us under the threat of homelessness within 56 days, and to work with these individuals to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

“Our officers can provide support for people affected by rent or mortgage arrears, in poor quality or unsuitable housing and at risk of illegal eviction and harassment.

“We take our statutory responsibilities seriously and encourage anyone who is threatened with homelessness to make contact with us as soon as possible by emailing housingsolutions@torfaen.gov.uk calling 01495 742301 or the emergency out of hours number, 01495 762200.”

The chief executive of charity Crisis, Jon Sparkes, said that despite the Welsh Government figures, “people still (are)falling through the cracks”, with an increase in the use of temporary accommodation.

“This is worrying because this kind of accommodation is often cramped, sometimes unsuitable, and occasionally even dangerous,” he said.

“While it might prevent people sleeping on our streets, in doorways, or in bus shelters it isn’t right that people don’t have a permanent home.”

He called for the Welsh Government and councils to work with Crisis on a plan to “end homelessness for good”.