MEASURES to support homeless people and rough sleepers in Wales "should be encouraged", a Gwent AM has said.
Earlier this week the Argus reported a pair of new sleeping pods for those sleeping rough had been opened in the centre of Newport.
And, speaking in the Assembly this week, South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar he hoped the Welsh Government would support similar schemes.
READ MORE:
'This could save lives': Residents welcome new sleeping pods for the homeless in Newport
Charity Amazing Grace Spaces unveils sleeping pods for the homeless in Newport
Sleeping pods for the homeless arrive in Newport city centre
Addressing deputy minister for housing and local government Hannah Blythyn, the Conservative AM said: "Cardiff City Council said that many people who experience rough sleeping can remain isolated on the streets as they do not want to be accommodated in hostels.
"Last year, a request for funding by Newport City Council to provide homeless pods for rough sleepers was turned down by the Welsh Government. It was very upsetting.
"Earlier this month, it was reported that a scheme for turning shipping containers into accommodation was coming to Cardiff, having been piloted in Bristol. Minister, do you agree with me that such innovative ideas as these should be encouraged to tackle rough sleeping in Wales by those who, for whatever reason, do not want to be accommodated in hostels in Wales?"
South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar
Ms Blythyn replied the Welsh Government's "first objective" was to stop people from being forced to sleep rough in the first place.
"There are many reasons why people may not feel it is right for them, or, indeed, appropriate for them to go into hostel accommodation," she said.
"So, that's why Welsh Government works with local authorities and our third sector partners to ensure that we can take a holistic approach that takes into account the individual and the individual circumstances."
Deputy minister for housing and local government Hannah Blythyn
She added: "(Mr Asghar) refers to the initiative in terms of the Newport City Council pods initiative that previously came before the Welsh Government.
"Whilst I think that the Welsh Government understands the intention behind these pods and the issue they're trying to tackle, there were concerns regarding their use and what alternative options are available for funding, with each pod costing in the region of £6,000. However, we are keen to work with all of our partners and our stakeholders to look at actually how we can take action to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in Wales, in all of our cities and towns."
The most recent statistics show there are an estimated 23 rough sleepers in Newport, and 347 across Wales as a whole.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here