Homelessness is rising in Wales

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year 2004-5 there were 9,856 homeless people in Wales compared to 4,390 in the year 2001-2.

The figures showed that many homeless people were being housed in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Welsh Assembly Government is "taking action" to tackle the problem.

The BBC Wales political programme, Maniffesto, revealed on Sunday that, of those reported as homeless in Wales in 2004-5, a significant minority were found to be homeless because of violence or harassment.

The figures obtained by the programme also showed an increase in the time taken for Welsh local authorities to process applications for helping the homeless.

Temporary accommodation

On Anglesey, there has been an increase of almost 30% in the number of homeless over the past five years.

In 2001-2, a total of 186 people made homelessness applications to the council, and around �8,000 was spent to provide bed and breakfast accommodation.

Many homeless people are in bed and breakfast accommodation

By 2004-5 the number of homeless people had risen to 637, with the council spending more than �380,000 on accommodation.

On Monday, Anglesey County Council is due to consider setting up a fund to help prevent homelessness, with help from the Welsh Assembly.

A statement from the Welsh Assembly Government said it was "taking concerted action to tackle the rising problem of homelessness".

And, it added: "We are revising our National Homelessness Strategy to ensure an increased focus on prevention.

"We have significantly increased funding for local authorities and voluntary organisations to improve front-line services.

"We are preparing legislation to reduce the use of bed and breakfast hotels for homeless people.

"The responsibility for delivering services to homeless people lies with local organisations, and we are intensifying our support for them through guidance, funding, good practice advice and other practical assistance."