Art Wright Claims 2,000 Welsh Veterans Face Covert Homelessness
Art Wright called on the Welsh Government to address covert homelessness affecting over 2,000 military veterans in Wales during First Minister's Questions.
Member of the Senedd Art Wright claimed during First Minister's Questions on November 10 that more than 2,000 military veterans in Wales are experiencing covert homelessness, including sofa surfing or living with family. Drawing on a 2022 Office for National Statistics survey, Wright stated that 280 of the 93,000 veterans living in Wales are sleeping rough. He cited specific cases of a disabled veteran with complex PTSD living in squalid conditions and a female veteran sharing a bed with her mother for eight years.
Wright urged First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to restore credibility to the armed forces covenant. The debate highlighted a divide over financial responsibility for veteran care. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar pointed to recent initiatives from the UK Government to end veteran homelessness, while Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle argued that the central government in Westminster should provide the bulk of support because it holds the authority to deploy troops into harm's way.
