00:00Newport City Council says it's made real progress in tackling homelessness, halving the number
00:06of rough sleepers, and moving more families from temporary housing into more stable homes.
00:11But despite that, the council has warned that unprecedented housing pressures are putting
00:15more and more people at risk of losing their homes, and say demand for properties in Wales'
00:19fastest growing city now far outstrips supply.
00:24Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Saeed Adhan said it's vital to change public attitudes
00:28around homelessness, challenging the idea that it only happens to rough sleepers or people
00:33who've made poor choices.
00:35He says the council regularly hears from people affected by debt, domestic abuse, or private
00:40landlords pulling out of the market.
00:43Council leader Dimitri Petruni added that rent levels in Newport private sector are ridiculous,
00:48and often higher than mortgage repayments.
00:50He says many people are doing everything right, working multiple jobs, paying their way etc,
00:55but are still only one setback away from crisis.
00:58Between 2011 and 2021, Newport's population grew by almost 10%, the fastest rise anywhere
01:06in Wales, and that pressure is being felt now.
01:09The council is preparing a new local development plan and says that more than 700 one-bedroom
01:14homes are urgently needed.
01:16It's also commissioning a dedicated review of HMOs, houses of multiple occupancy, to tighten
01:23rules around the spread and strain they can place on services.
01:28The Petruni says families have been prioritised for housing to help reduce the childhood trauma
01:32and break long-term cycle of homelessness, but warns that more investment and better planning
01:38is essential if Newport is to cope with future pressures.
01:41James Peach Watkins reporting for Local TV.
01:43Candidate
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