This update was sent to the Cymorth mailing list on Friday 20th March. You can view the original email here and sign up to receive future mailing here.

£10 million emergency support for rough sleepers in Wales during coronavirus outbreak

The Welsh Government is providing £10 million to secure accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness and domestic abuse, including those with no recourse to public funds.
Find out more here.

Written Statement: COVID-19 Response – Homelessness and Rough Sleepers

The Minister for Housing and Local Government has published a written statement about homelessness, COVID-19 and her response to the Homelessness Action Group's report on ending homelessness in Wales.
Read the statement here.

Written Statement: Eligibility for ongoing provision for children of 'key workers'

The Minister for Education has published a statement about provision for children of 'key workers' during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes 'charities and workers delivering key frontline services'. We have asked for further clarification about how this will be implemented.
Read the statement here.

UK Government Treasury announcement

This evening the Chancellor announced a number of measures to protect workers and increase financial support for people in receipt of social security. The UK Government will:

• Pay 80% of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer, covering wages of up to £2,500 a month
• Increase the Universal Credit standard allowance, for the next 12 months, by £1,000 a year
• Increase the Working Tax Credit basic element by the same amount
• Increase Local Housing Allowance to cover at least 30 per cent of market rents

Ethical Framework for social care

This evening the Welsh Government Director of Social Services and Integration Albert Heaney has sent a letter to local authorities, health boards and care providers about compassionate, person-centred practice during this difficult time. He also circulated the document 'Responding to COVID-19: The Ethical Framework for Adult Social Care', which may be of interest to you.

People who are unable or unwilling to self isolate

If an individual is unable or unwilling to self-isolate, you can contact Public Health Wales Health Protection Team on 0300 003 0032 to discuss the issue.

Reminder of yesterday's key announcements:

• The Welsh Government published new COVID-19 guidance for homelessness and substance misuse services in Wales.
• The Welsh Government wrote to care providers about the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment in social care settings. 
• Cymorth Cymru wrote to Ministers about school places, testing and PPE for homelessness and housing-related support services - and concerns about financial viability for some services.