Adur and Worthing Councils have launched a draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy which sets out a five-year plan focused on prevention, early intervention and reducing the need for temporary accommodation.
Cllr Lee Cowen, Adur’s cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: “This strategy aims to shift our approach from crisis management to early intervention.
“By acting proactively we will help people break the cycle of homelessness, move forward and sustain independence as well as substantially decrease our expenditure.”
The councils are inviting residents, organisations and stakeholders to share their views on the draft strategy through a public consultation.
The strategy has already been reviewed by the councils’ Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Prevention Partnership, with feedback from both groups already incorporated.
Like many other parts of the country, Adur and Worthing are facing severe housing pressures.
There is a shortage of social housing, rising private rents and more households at risk of homelessness.
The councils are also seeing a rise in people with complex needs seeking support and are under increasing financial strain from the growing cost of temporary accommodation.
The draft strategy sets out plans for a stronger multi-agency response, working closely with partners to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation and support long-term recovery from homelessness.
Cllr Ödül Bozkurt, Worthing’s cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home, but the increasing pressures of the cost of living crisis mean more people need help with homelessness.
“By working more closely with partners and neighbouring local authorities, we aim to create a unified approach to prevent homelessness in the long term.”
To read the draft strategy and take part in the consultation, visit adur-worthing.gov.uk/homelessness-strategy-consultation.
The councils are keen to hear from as many people as possible about the strategy.
The public consultation is open until midnight on Tuesday, October 14.
To request a paper copy or for help completing the questions, email housing.strategy@adur-worthing.gov.uk.
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