Madam, With the General Election almost on our doorstep, Shelter Cymru is aware that every day for the next few weeks prospective parliamentary candidates will be knocking at your readers' doors. We are appealing to people throughout Wales to challenge prospective candidates on some of the key issues, which politicians can address. Your readers might want to point out to candidates that recorded homelessness in Wales is at an all-time high. The Welsh Assembly Government is developing housing and homelessness strategies and policies which have already begun to make a real impact on the crisis sweeping the nation but there are still a number of key issues that are the responsibility of Westminster and more needs to be done. Be part of our Candidate Challenge and find out what the Parliamentary candidates are doing to make a real difference to homeless people in Wales. Our message to your readers is that when a candidate knocks on their door, ask them these questions and tell us what they said: Q1. Will you be calling for changes in the current Housing Benefit system? If Yes, what are the changes you will be supporting? If No, what is more important to change in Wales? Q2. How important is the Supporting People (services for vulnerable people living in supported or sheltered housing) scheme in your campaign? Will you be calling for an increase in funding? Q3. Do you support the right to buy council houses in Wales? If yes, why? If No, why? You and your readers can join the campaign or see what you can do to help by logging onto http://www.sheltercymru.org.uk">www.sheltercymru.org.uk, click on the Building Future Lives link or call 01792 483072.
Yours etc, John Puzey Director Shelter Cymru.