“A decent and affordable home is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of everybody.”

Those were the words of Climate Change Minister Julie James as she announced a new £182m fund to provide specialist housing and accommodation across Wales.

The Minister said the Housing with Care Fund will provide Regional Partnership Boards access to the new funding over the next three years to deliver ‘healthy homes that provide individuals and families a stable and secure base that meets their needs’.

It also aims to increase the total stock of extra care housing in Wales by up to a third over the next four years, as well as help people with a learning disability, autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions live independently, where possible, in their own home.

Funding regional residential services for children with complex needs to ensure their needs are met as close to home as possible will also be a key priority along with investing in intermediate care housing and accommodation for those not yet ready for full independence.

Speaking on a visit to TÅ· Glas y Dorlan in Cwmbran, the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said:

"Having a stable and secure base is essential to seeing the people of Wales thrive - everybody should have access to a good quality, affordable and settled home.

"Somewhere to feel safe and comfortable while remaining connected to their local community and work.

"We know there are many in Wales who can sometimes find it difficult to maintain a home, whether through illness or financial hardship, which can make them vulnerable to homelessness.

“We are absolutely committed to investing wherever possible to prevent the harm that can cause."