The Vale of Glamorgan has recorded the largest increase in homelessness applications linked to relationship breakdown.
That is according to a new study by Rayden Solicitors, which recorded a 142.9 per cent rise in cases in the Vale of Glamorgan between 2020 and 2025.
The study examined homelessness applications across 91 local authorities in England and Wales where relationship breakdown was recorded as a primary cause.
Blaenau Gwent saw the second highest increase in Wales at 114.3 per cent, followed by Caerphilly at 81.5 per cent.
Lehna Gardiner, partner at Rayden Solicitors, said: “Under the current law, cohabitees have limited rights compared to those who are married.
“When married couples divorce, they have significant legal protection within the family law framework.
“The parties’ and children’s needs are prioritised and the principles of equality and fairness are applied.
“If a spouse were to pass away, then the living spouse has automatic rights to inheritance, pension and insurance, among others.
“For cohabiting couples, these principles unfortunately do not apply. This specifically leaves the financially weaker party in a vulnerable position in the event of a break-up.
“Often, these are women who have focused less on their careers in order to look after children. Cohabiting couples cannot rely on the family law framework and have no financial responsibility to one another on separation.”
Rayden Solicitors recommends that couples consider entering into a cohabitation agreement, ensuring property ownership is clearly documented, and keeping wills up to date.
Across Wales as a whole, there were 15,780 homelessness applications related to relationship breakdown over the five-year period.
Neath Port Talbot recorded the highest total with 2,712 applications. This was followed by Cardiff with 1,667, and Newport with 1,619. Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire also reported high figures, at 1,480 and 1,433 respectively.
