A Caerphilly representative has urged those in leadership positions to develop a credible strategy for addressing homelessness, after figures revealed the local authority spent exceeding £8 million on temporary housing over the previous twelve months. Cllr Nigel Dix, leader of the council’s independent group, labelled the expenditure unsustainable and attacked the Labour administration for what he described as its failure to tackle homelessness, calling the situation a tragedy. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request indicated the council’s housing register comprised more than 6,700 applicants at the start of 2026, with the average waiting time during the preceding year reaching 767 days. The statistics showed 965 applicants had been awaiting housing for over five years. By February, the council was providing temporary accommodation to 47 families, while an additional 11 families officially classified as street sleepers remained without shelter. Cllr Dix stated Labour lacks a credible plan to address homelessness, reduce the waiting list, and decrease expenditure on hotels and bed-and-breakfast facilities. He added that members of the public would be justifiably concerned. The council was given the opportunity to respond to these allegations. Earlier this week, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s housing committee was informed that homelessness pressures constitute a national issue, with the increasing cost of living resulting in officers unfortunately experiencing heightened demand. Housing Director Nick Taylor-Williams explained that statutory obligations require authorities to support those experiencing homelessness, which in certain English instances had imposed substantial financial pressures on local authorities. He emphasized that funding is not the sole consideration, with the primary focus being on those facing homelessness who require a solution. The committee was told the council had incorporated homelessness pressures into its wider service transformation programme – a long-term initiative aimed at enhancing council efficiency amid challenging financial circumstances. Furthermore, Caerphilly would review approaches from other councils concerning homelessness solutions, Mr Taylor-Williams indicated. Cllr Shayne Cook, the housing portfolio holder, informed the committee the council had achieved significant progress within a constrained timeframe, which included returning over 400 vacant properties to occupancy. The council had also launched a low-cost home ownership scheme, implemented new Leasing Scheme Wales policies, and finalized a fresh local housing market assessment alongside a rapid rehousing transition plan.