My research aims to evaluate and analyze the impacts of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, set within the context of increasing homelessness in the whole of the UK, including Wales. The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 aims to tackle homelessness through an increasing emphasis on prevention. This can be defined as different interventions and support structures for people in order to avoid them becoming homeless in the first place. I will be exploring how the policy changes have impacted key indicators such as health outcomes for different groups of people who have become homeless.

This project will be utilizing linked data, obtained through the Administrative Data Research Network. Use of this methodology will allow for original insights into the impact of housing interventions on key areas of people’s lives. Looking at linked data has the potential to create new knowledge about the impact of homelessness on people, overcoming some of the methodological issues which can affect studies into homelessness.

My research will be working within the paradigm of the right to housing, understood as a core human right. As a result, my research will also focus on the extent to which the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 can be seen as a part of the right to housing. I intend to explore whether increasing knowledge of housing rights can increase their efficacy and, whether the change in legislation has seen a resultant change in how housing rights are perceived by both policy makers and rights holders.