THE number of deaths among Wales’ homeless community more than doubled last year but no deaths were reported in all five of Gwent’s council areas.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) detail the number of deaths among homeless people in England and Wales.

In 2017, there were 11 reported deaths among Wales’ homeless population. This figure rose to 25 in 2018.

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However, despite the worrying Wales-wide increase, the picture is better in Gwent, with 2018 being the second year in succession that no deaths were reported.

Newport and Torfaen have seen no recorded deaths for the past two years, while Caerphilly and Monmouthshire have not recorded a death for the past three, and Blaenau Gwent for five years.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesman spoke of the importance of support networks in providing for the area’s homeless community.

“Monmouthshire County Council has been working hard with partners to increase housing options and support services for homeless people and in times of crisis, provided intensive support to the most extremely vulnerable people in our communities," he said.

“This support has helped many homeless individuals and families to access accommodation which in turn has alleviated issues such as poor health, advice is provided around personal safety and many people have been helped to address their financial insecurity.”

A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: "There is a vast amount of work being carried out to support rough sleepers and those who are ‘no fixed abode’, being delivered through a contract between Caerphilly Supporting People and Cornerstone Support Services; a team with vast knowledge and experience. 

"Cornerstone work in partnership with the council’s Housing Advice Team to prevent those at risk of becoming homeless, as well as those who find themselves homeless.

"The council and Cornerstone also work in partnership with a number of churches throughout the county borough to deliver a very successful night shelter project during winter.

"As well as offering a warm meal and safe bed for the night, rough sleepers are also provided with extensive support to assist them with finding longer term housing and employment."

Blaenau Gwent was the best performing of all the Gwent regions, however. The county has not recorded a single death among its homeless community since 2013, when the ONS figures were first published.

A Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council spokesman said: “We do have a low level of rough sleeping in Blaenau Gwent.

“If we do receive a report of anyone sleeping rough, we will respond by sending officers out to investigate and look at resolving the situation.

“We also have supported temporary accommodation for the most vulnerable people in this situation.”