New homelessness strategy to give alternative and long term options
- 25 Oct
East Lindsey District Council has signed up to a new strategy to deal with homelessness across the county.
The Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy Group, made up of councils across the county, launched the plan last week, following an extensive review of the issue.
The strategy sets out the priorities for the next five years which include developing alternative emergency and longer term options for young people such as crash bed schemes instead of bed and breakfasts.
Coun William Gray from East Lindsey District Council, said:
In this challenging economic climate, with growing unemployment and imminent changes to housing benefit, tackling homelessness is our top priority.
I applaud all our partners for their input into this strategy, which demonstrates we all share the same aim. It will act as a great prevention tool for homelessness across the whole county.Lincolnshire's unique partnership has prevented 2,314 from becoming homeless in the current year - and 548 in East Lindsey.
The group is now being used as a ‘best practice model' across the East Midlands by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the national charity, Homeless Link.
The new strategy will also focus on homeless prevention, partnership working, welfare and policy reform, young people, and rough sleepers.
These themes were identified through consultation, the analysis of current provision, government guidelines and in response to significant changes that will affect Lincolnshire.
The group is made up of South Holland District Council, North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council, Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, City of Lincoln, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council plus approximately 25 practitioners from across the statutory and voluntary sectors.
Additionally, the group has recently welcomed Rutland County Council into its strong partnership to deliver a sub regional approach to tackling rough sleeping and non priority homelessness.
Source: Skegness Standard
Related articles
Revenue Optimisation "Coventry Mind has recently worked through a programme of Housing Benefit optimisation with Support Solutions and in particular their specialist Danny Key. Throughout the whole process Danny demonstrated that he has excellent knowledge of the subject and was able to put forward a convincing case for the increase in funding to the Housing Benefit team. Coventry Mind has already and will continue to recommend Support Solutions and in particular this service to other organisations." Steven Hill - Director of Central Services