THE WELSH Liberal Democrats have called for stronger action to tackle homelessness in Wales, warning that the number of people relying on temporary accommodation has remained largely unchanged for more than two years.

The party cited the latest figures showing 10,818 people were living in temporary accommodation, with 1,287 occurrences of people being placed into temporary accommodation in October 2025.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said the figures showed that existing policy was not delivering meaningful improvement.

She said: “These numbers have barely changed in over two years and homeless people are being let down by consecutive Welsh Governments. Legislation by itself is meaningless unless the Welsh Government also [backs it with the resources and action needed].”

Ms Dodds added: “We must help these hidden victims of the cost-of-living crisis who have been ignored by those in Cardiff Bay for far too long.”

The party said it would seek to address the situation through a major expansion of social housing, proposing the construction of 30,000 new social homes for rent.

Ms Dodds said: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats would build 30,000 new social homes for rent, ensuring that people on low incomes or with experience of homelessness can access a safe and secure home.”

Focus on rural pressures

The comments come amid growing concern about the pressures faced by councils across Wales, with rising demand for emergency accommodation and increasing costs to local authorities.

Sandra Jervis, the party’s lead candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said rural areas faced particular challenges and claimed Ceredigion’s figures highlighted systemic issues.

She said: “The fact that Ceredigion has the highest number of homeless people in Wales outside of Cardiff shows the failure of our Plaid-led local authority.”

Ms Jervis added: “Rural homelessness presents unique challenges beyond the scarcity of homes, with a combination of poverty and inaccessibility to jobs and other services accumulating into a dreadful sense of isolation from the rest of society.”

Housing campaigners have previously warned that rural homelessness can be less visible than in cities, with people more likely to “sofa surf”, live in insecure private rentals, or face long distances to access support services — factors that can make the problem harder to identify and resolve quickly.

The Welsh Government has previously pointed to its homelessness prevention approach and housing investment programmes, while councils continue to warn that demand is outstripping supply — particularly for larger family homes and genuinely affordable rental properties.

NRW is reminding farmers across Wales to take key steps to prevent pollution as the organic manure spreading season re-opens.

During the autumn and winter “closed periods”, restrictions were in place to stop slurry and other high-nitrogen manures being spread, helping reduce the risk of agricultural pollution.

Grassland spreading can resume from Thursday (Jan 16), with spreading on tillage land re-opening on Friday (Jan 31). However, NRW said a number of controls under the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations (CoAPR) will remain in force until the end of February.

Those restrictions include limits on application rates — no more than 30m³ of slurry per hectare, or eight tonnes of poultry manure, in a single application — with at least three weeks required between applications.

Before spreading organic manure, producers must also carry out field inspections to assess weather and soil conditions, slope, ground cover and proximity to watercourses, to help reduce the risk of runoff.

Farm businesses are expected to plan and record all applications in their Nitrogen Management Plan to ensure nutrients match soil and crop need and remain within nitrogen limits.

Spreading is prohibited on waterlogged, flooded, snow-covered or frozen ground — including soil that has been frozen for more than 12 hours in the previous 24 hours.

NRW said its teams will continue to support farmers while monitoring compliance.

Simon Griffiths, team leader of NRW’s Agricultural Pollution Inspection Team, said: “As the closed periods come to an end, we want to remind farmers, tenants, landlords and contractors of the restrictions which remain in place until the end of February.

“This means anyone considering spreading organic manure needs to ensure the conditions are suitable before work starts.

“NRW is committed to protecting the environment and any instances of pollution will be investigated and appropriate enforcement action taken.”

NRW is urging farmers and members of the public to report pollution incidents immediately via its online “report it” form or by calling 0300 065 3000.

A GROUP of residents marked the New Year in traditional style this week by taking Calennig singing to the parish streets — and using the evening to raise awareness of the proposed closure of Ysgol Clydau.

Organisers said the walk blended a long-standing local custom with a serious message, as campaigners continue to encourage families and residents to respond to Pembrokeshire County Council’s consultation on the school’s future.

Although numbers were small, those who took part described the evening as upbeat and positive. The weather remained dry, the sky stayed clear, and the group stopped to speak to people along the route, handing out leaflets and discussing what the school means to the area.

Supporters said the event underlined the strength of community spirit in the Clydau area — something they believe is closely tied to the presence of the rural school, not only as a place of learning but as a focal point for local life.

Sarah Farnden, a parent at Ysgol Clydau, said: “Ysgol Clydau is at the heart of our community. It’s where our children learn, but also where friendships are formed and traditions are passed on. Nights like the Calennig remind us how important the school is in bringing people together. Losing it would mean losing a vital part of who we are.”

Consultation open until January 23

Pembrokeshire County Council launched a public consultation on the proposal in December, with responses invited until Friday, January 23.

The council says the proposal follows a review of education provision, taking into account pupil numbers and the use of school places across the wider area.

The issue has already prompted a strong public response, with a petition opposing closure gaining significant support and triggering further discussion among councillors.

Campaigners have also questioned the timing of the consultation over the Christmas period, arguing that families and residents should be given every reasonable opportunity to consider the proposals and respond.

Supporters of Ysgol Clydau say closure would have consequences beyond education, warning it could weaken the fabric of the rural community and reduce opportunities for children to learn and socialise close to home.

Organisers of the Calennig walk said the evening showed how local traditions still bring people together — and can also be used to highlight modern-day challenges facing the community.

They are urging anyone with a stake in the school’s future — parents, former pupils, residents and local organisations — to make sure their views are submitted before the consultation deadline.