Tackling Homelessness

FOUR APPROACHES TO TACKLING HOMELESSNESS IN NEW STRATEGY

Four key areas for addressing the issue of homelessness have been set out under a draft Homelessness Strategy from Tendring District Council (TDC).

The public’s views are being sought on the document which sets out the council’s approach to reducing homelessness and ending rough sleeping.

Although the numbers of rough sleepers are relatively low in Tendring, the council wants to do more to help prevent anyone from having to sleep rough, and to act quickly to get them out of that situation if it arises.

The four strands to the council’s proposed approach are earlier intervention and education; increasing the supply of suitable accommodation; better partnership and holistic working; and exploring new ways to tackle rough sleeping.

Specific steps include earlier identification of those at risk of homelessness, the provision of ‘crash beds’ so no-one who sleeps rough has to spend a second night on the streets, and increase the number of move-on properties.

Paul Honeywood, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing, said although the causes of homelessness could be many and varied – and often outside of the council’s direct control – TDC was determined to help everyone in the district to live in quality accommodation.

“The council has a proud record of preventing and tackling homelessness but we recognise that we can do more,” Cllr Honeywood said.

“Reducing homelessness and rough sleeping requires a partnership approach and the council, as a community leader, will encourage agencies to work together with us on this issue.

“Whilst the numbers of people sleeping rough are low compared to other areas, we recognise we need to intervene more quickly to respond and, more importantly, we need to do more to prevent it in the first place.”

The consultation will run from 13 January until 23 February, after which time TDC’s Cabinet will consider the draft and consultation responses before considering whether to approve the strategy.

The draft Homelessness Strategy can be read online, and the webpage also contains details of how to respond: https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/housing/housing-strategies-policies

Alternatively a copy can be provided at the council’s offices in Pier Avenue, Clacton.

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.