Council responds to homelessness challenges

Blaby District Council has developed a new homelessness strategy in the wake of record demand.

The revised strategy has been created following a detailed review of homelessness and rough sleeping over the past five years.  

In that time homelessness cases across the District have increased by some 70% and continue to rise.

Currently around 90 temporary accommodation places are being taken up by people with no permanent place to live. This figure contrasts with just 30 a few years ago and is part of a national trend.

The cost to the Council is now more than £650,000 per year, against £91,000 five years ago. While funding is available from central Government, the Council must bear some of the cost.

Recognising these challenges the strategy sets out four priorities: 

• Preventing homelessness and reducing the use of temporary accommodation
• Maximising the supply of affordable housing 
• Continue to develop partnership work and wider communications
• Support vulnerable households to be independent and self-reliant 

Reasons behind the surge in homelessness are many and complex.

A lack of affordable properties in the private and social rental sector, pressures from the increased cost-of-living and limited social housing stock are among the key factors.

Most people facing homelessness are local with half of cases being single adults or couples without children. The number of people from outside the area seeking support is minimal.

The new strategy sets out how the Council will continue to work with partners, including landlords to support tenants and prevent the risk of homelessness.

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "We are not alone in facing these challenges, homelessness is increasing at a national level. It obviously does have a cost to this Council but we never let financial constraints prevent us from doing the right thing.

"Many of the people coming to us for help are among the most vulnerable in our communities, perhaps fleeing domestic abuse or with mental or physical health issues. The dedication and hard work of our housing team never fails to amaze me in assisting these people."

Two more housing officers are being recruited to help manage the caseload, which shows no sign of abating.

The Council has seen success in obtaining Government grants to assist with the purchase of 15 new properties that are being used for temporary accommodation. As of 1 April, the properties have enabled 31 households to live in self-contained accommodation rather than bed and breakfast establishments which are unsuitable for families and young children.

Close partnership working with social housing organisations has also enabled the authority to be able to place people in dedicated supported accommodation. The schemes cater for people with mental health illnesses and other complex issues.  

Councillor Les Phillimore
Portfolio Holder for Housing