Commissioned by the Welsh Government, we conducted an exploratory analysis of social housing allocation in Wales. Building on our prior work, this research provided critical insights into how social housing is allocated, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness, and how the relationship between local authorities and housing associations may impact this allocation.

Our methodology combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. We designed a novel data collection template for local authorities, creating a unique dataset on housing allocations by homelessness duty. Using Python, we analysed this data to explore housing register sizes and allocation trends across local authorities. Alongside this, we conducted bilingual interviews with all 22 Welsh local authorities, 17 registered social landlords, and 10 stakeholder organizations, capturing diverse perspectives on allocation practices and challenges.

The findings, presented through an interim presentation and a final report, are helping to shaping the Welsh Government’s homelessness and social housing policies.

➥ The report is available here.
➥ The executive summary can be accessed here.