Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy consultation

1. Focus on early intervention and prevention

Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent homelessness, and we do our utmost to help people to remain in their homes through support, intervention and advocacy. 

We acknowledge that too often, people approach our service when there is little room and time to negotiate with a landlord or be able to secure alternative accommodation before the person is required to leave. 
We will take steps to maximise the opportunity for households to approach us or be identified as at risk at the earliest opportunity. 

2. Provide holistic support to those experiencing rough sleeping and those with complex needs 

Rough sleeping is one of the most harmful and dangerous forms of homelessness. 

We recognise that it is not always as simple as finding accommodation for someone found rough sleeping, and a safe and sustainable route away from rough sleeping is often more complex. 

This is why we will continue to take a person-centred approach where the individual will be involved in the decision-making process. We will also work with our partners who are experts in dealing with those with complex needs to ensure that the recovery from the street is focused on. 

3. Maximise ‘move on’ options

Ensuring individuals are in suitable ‘move on’ accommodation is important. 

This can be difficult due to the cost of living, expensive private rent, and how the amount of social housing supply is outweighed by the demand. It also relies on ensuring we identify those at risk of homelessness at the earliest opportunity

However, the increase in the Local Housing Allowance has meant we have secured 29 properties for homeless households since April, giving us confidence that we can maximise appropriate accommodation. 

4. Work with partners to secure positive and sustained outcomes 

We cannot tackle all forms and causes of homelessness alone. 

Some households will require a range of support services, dependent on why they were at risk of homelessness in the first place. 

Support could be in relation to housing, ensuring they can sustain their tenancy, or personal support to manage issues caused by relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, mental health issues, unemployment, addiction or poverty. 

By working with multi-agencies who have expertise and knowledge in complex areas, we can better build a support network for the household.