Views wanted on our proposed homelessness and rough sleeping strategy

Local people are being asked to comment on a new, ambitious five-year homelessness and rough sleeping strategy for Teignbridge, which builds on the success of past and current work to help people get and keep a roof over their heads.

The numbers of people sleeping rough in the district have been comparatively low, thanks to an intensive approach built on targeted outreach work, a dedicated responsive rough sleeper team and the Council’s commitment to provide accommodation and support to all verified rough sleepers who have a local connection.

But with uncertainty remaining on the impact that Covid will have on homelessness, the draft strategy seeks to establish a framework for action which will be able to cope with the unexpected and continue to support people who need help.

A four-week consultation is now underway seeking views on the proposed principles and priorities of the strategy which include a commitment to preventing and relieving homelessness and rough sleeping.

Executive member for Housing Cllr Martin Wrigley is asking people to take a few minutes to look at the draft strategy and complete the short feedback survey.

“We believe that everyone should have a safe and secure place they can call home. 

“This strategy is an important part in how we will help people in Teignbridge keep their homes or find suitable accommodation.  It builds on the excellent work of the team over recent years to tackle causes of homelessness and rough sleeping and to support local people who need somewhere to live.”

Three core principles underpin the new draft strategy:

• Partnership working: building on existing links with statutory agencies such as health, social care and the criminal justice system as well as with community groups and the voluntary sector
• Data efficiency: making sure we have the information that not only helps us analyse past trends but also more importantly anticipates future demand
• Client centred: ensuring we put clients first, understanding their needs and drawing on those with lived experience to devise innovative solutions.

The proposed strategy sets out the reasons people face homelessness – the ending of an assured shorthold or social rented tenancy; family or friends no longer being able or willing to provide accommodation; relationship breakdown with partner; and people needing help as a result of domestic abuse.

To combat these, the priorities in the draft strategy focus on prevention, intervention and recovery: working with people as early as possible to help them remain in their homes; improving access to accommodation and support services; and breaking the cycle of repeat homelessness by making sure we help people into sustainable, safe and suitable accommodation.