Thursday 8 August to Monday 2 September 2019. This consultation is closed. Consultation report available.
Herefordshire Council is updating its Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy to take account of the changes in government legislation and policy, including the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the MHCLG Rough Sleeper Strategy published in August 2018.
We are working in a challenging environment of significantly reduced council budgets and increasing pressures on local services. An effective strategy requires joint action. Consultation with key partners will assist us in planning the actions and resources necessary so that we can all work together to tackle homelessness and the damaging impact of its consequences.
Background to the strategy
In Herefordshire, as nationally, the three main reasons why people become homeless are:
- The landlord issued a notice to end an Assured Shorthold Tenancy
- Family or friends were no longer willing or able to accommodate the family, couple or single person
- There was a violent or non-violent breakdown in a relationship
During the 2018-2019 financial year Herefordshire Council:
- Assisted 1,121 households who were experiencing housing difficulties
- Prevented 187 households from becoming homeless from their existing home
- Worked with 161 households so that alternative accommodation could be found for them before they became homeless from their existing home
- Accepted a full homeless duty to 48 households who would have been provided with temporary accommodation, pending rehousing, if needed
- Provided outreach support to 92 rough sleepers or those at risk of rough sleeping
While rough sleeping is the most visible and damaging manifestation of homelessness, it is not the only form. When responding please think about all types of homeless households and all forms of homelessness. Homelessness also happens to families with children, couples and single people. A household could be at risk of becoming homeless, be living in temporary homeless accommodation arranged by the council, be sofa surfing between family and friends or be sleeping rough.
The information you provided will be used to inform the revised Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy.
We will ensure that personal information is collected and used lawfully in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
If you have any queries, please email housingdevelopment@herefordshire.gov.uk