Solo living in Wales rising, reveals Bevan Foundation

Solo living in Wales is rising, according to the Bevan Foundation’s latest State of Wales briefing

The Bevan Foundation’s latest State of Wales briefing explores how households in Wales are changing. especially the number, size and type of household.  Of particular interest is the growing number of one-person households – solo living.

Solo households have different needs to larger families.

We saw the Welsh Government recognise that one-person households face particular challenges in local lockdowns as they relaxed rules on contact with others for people who live alone.

But implications go wider than this: rising levels of solo living affect the type of housing people want, the affordability of housing, the availability of informal care from another family member and the risks of loneliness and isolation.

The rise of solo living even affects the income that local authorities generate from council tax, as one-person households are eligible for a discount.

Organisations that provide goods or services to the general public will need to take the changes in Wales’ households – and especially the rise of solo living – into account. This briefing will gave organisations a taster of the changes that are underway.

State of Wales briefings are a benefit of a Bevan Foundation subscription. They are sent to all our subscribers and are also available in our supporters’ area.  To discuss becoming a subscriber please contact us.