Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Act 2026

24 Protocol for handling cases involving persons in particular need of support

(1) Section 95 of the 2014 Act (co-operation) is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (1B) (inserted by section 23(3)) insert—

“(1C) A local housing authority in Wales must make arrangements to promote co-operation between itself and such persons mentioned in subsection (1D) that exercise functions in the authority’s area as it considers appropriate with a view to achieving the following objectives in its area—

(a) the prevention of homelessness,

(b) that suitable accommodation is available for persons who are or may become homeless,

(c) that satisfactory support is available for persons who are or may become homeless,

(d) effective case co-ordination by persons mentioned in subsection (1D) regarding persons who are or may become homeless and who may also be in particular need of other support, and

(e) effective discharge of its functions under this Part.

(1D) The persons are—

(a) the persons mentioned in subsection (5);

(b) any other public authority with functions which are capable of contributing to the achievement of any of the objectives mentioned in subsection (1C);

(c) any voluntary organisation or other person whose activities are capable of contributing to the achievement of any of those objectives.

(1E) The arrangements under subsection (1C) must include a protocol for handling cases involving persons who are or who may become homeless and who may also be in particular need of other support or services, including in particular support or services required in connection with—

(a) leaving prison or youth detention accommodation;

(b) leaving the regular armed forces of the Crown;

(c) misusing drugs and other substances;

(d) mental health.”