CHILDREN under 16 in Wales have spoken for the first time about the impact of housing issues and homelessness on their lives, in a report published today by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

The report reveals first-hand accounts of children living in cramped, unsafe and often dangerous conditions, with many describing the toll on their physical and mental health, as well as their education.

When asked about their housing aspirations, children’s answers included having a bookshelf, having a house free of mould, and having a home that made them feel comfortable.

According to Welsh government data, 27 per cent of all households placed in temporary accommodation between April 2023 and March 2024 were families with children.

A 10-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister told Commissioner Rocio Cifuentes: “There is a broken roof in mum’s bedroom.

“We had to put a bucket under it so my sister didn’t get soaking in the night.

“There’s mould on every window. It’s too expensive. We can’t afford the food and the house.”

Describing their privately rented home, one young person said: “My house has dodgy wiring and I can’t plug anything in without being scared I’d get injured.”

A young person living in social housing told the report that their “current home is damp.”

“It feels as if the mould and damp is making me unwell” and the “walls are wet to touch,” they said.

Ms Cifuentes said: “We’ve heard clearly the weight all of this can place on young shoulders — a weight no child should have to bear.” 

She urged the Welsh government to revise all housing and homelessness guidance to ensure compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and to put children’s views at the heart of future policy development.

End Youth Homelessness Cymru’s Bill Rowlands said: “This report shines a light on the fact that in Wales currently far too many children and young people are having to face housing insecurities, inappropriate housing and housing that is frankly unsafe.

“Action is needed and is needed now, to ensure that we don’t condemn another generation of children and young people to face similar experiences to those highlighted in this report.”

The Welsh government was approached for comment.