Six major Welsh charities have joined forces to condemn the Westminster government's proposed cuts to housing benefit and local housing allowance.

Shelter Cymru, Mind Cymru, Citizens’ Advice Cymru, Gofal, Community Housing Cymru and Cymorth, together with the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru, the National Landlords Association and the Welsh Tenants Federation, say that the cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in society and lead to greater social and economic costs in the longer term.

In a joint statement, the group outlined their concerns and called on the public to sign a petition to back their call for the UK government to reconsider the cuts, which they say will lead to greater homelessness, housing need and poverty.

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John Puzey, Director of Shelter Cymru, said: "We all appreciate that the current housing benefit system is far from perfect and needs reform to make it more responsive and tackle disincentives to work. However, it seems that these proposals are all stick and no carrot and we are all extremely concerned about the long-term implications for families, individuals and communities in Wales."

Nick Bennett, group chief executive of Community Housing Cymru, also highlights the extra strain that the social housing sector will face as private renters seek more affordable accommodation.

"There is already a current backlog of unmet housing need in Wales, estimated at 9,500 households. Some housing associations have entered into leasing schemes with the private rented sector to increase the supply of homes available to tenants, but these proposed changes mean that private landlords will be wary of entering into these arrangements or may pull out of existing arrangements due to the likelihood of rent arrears."

(CD)