James Evans has called for more effort to be put into cutting homelessness in Wales.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said at the Senedd that homelessness is a big issue facing many people.

He said that while this issue may not always be visible to all of us, it's a harsh reality for far too many people.

Mr Evans said: “I want to shed a light on this pressing matter, to raise awareness and to emphasise the importance of addressing homelessness.

“Many people don't have the privilege of a stable roof over their head.

“Homelessness affects people from all walks of life. It’s not confined to any one age group, gender or background. It can happen to anyone.

“Currently, we have over 174 rough-sleepers in Wales, plus 10,931 people in temporary accommodation. That figure is rising, and something needs to be done to address it.”

Mr Evans said one of the primary drivers of homelessness in Wales, as in many parts of the world, is a lack of affordable housing and factors that are out of the individual's control.

He said: “The demand for housing often outpaces the supply, leading to skyrocketing prices and rents.

“This can make it difficult for individuals and families with limited financial resources to secure stable housing.

“That's why it's imperative on all governments to deliver more house building - more social house building - to make sure that everybody has got a home over their head.”

Mr Evans said another factor in homelessness is addiction.

He said: “Drug and alcohol problems have a massive effect on homelessness, so governments must do all they can to reduce addiction and also reduce people going back through the cycle time and time again.

“That will help us address homelessness. Let us remember that homelessness is not a personal failure of somebody but a systemic problem that we must all work together to solve.

“Fortunately, across Wales, there are dedicated organisations and individuals who go above and beyond and work tirelessly to provide support for those experiencing homelessness.

“They include Shelter Cymru, the Wallich, Crisis, Helping the Homeless and other great charities and individuals across Wales.

“The dedication of these individuals is truly commendable. They work on the front line, providing shelter, food, and essential services for those in need.

“They also help provide advice to those people as well of how they can get accommodation or how they can come off addiction.”

Mr Evans said there has been progress of addressing homelessness in Wales, such as Housing First initiatives and the increase in funding for homelessness prevention programmes.

But he said that, to address homelessness, the road ahead is a long one, and there's much more work that needs to be done.

Mr Evans said: “It’s crucial for us to hold the Government to account and to make sure that we do more to help people come out of homelessness and into the stable home that most people would like to have.

“We must do all we can to address homelessness. We cannot go on as we are.”

Mr Evans urged MSs to support a Conservative motion calling on the Welsh Government to step up its efforts to cut homelessness.