Gov't to set out plans to tackle homelessness

"It's important to place the issue on a statutory footing, so we can prevent homelessness on our Island", says Chair of housing board

The government is expected to set out its plans to tackle homelessness in December.

Politicians will be asked to approve a ‘draft homelessness strategy’, which formed part of the work undertaken by the Housing and Communities Board.

A review was carried out looking into the history of homelessness, current service provision, the needs of service providers and users.

Additionally, focus was given to the conditions required to eliminate future homelessness.

We’re told public and third sector and those with lived experiences contributed towards the strategy, which is made up of five areas:

• Providing easy access to support for those at risk of homelessness or currently without a home,
• Setting out new legislation which provides ‘long lasting’ support,
• Data is gathered to ‘support the provision of services’,
• Regular ‘needs assessments’ are carried out for those in need of services

Douglas North MHK David Ashford is the Chair of the Housing and Communities Board who said: “A one size fits all approach towards those who find themselves homeless is not the answer.

“Anyone who needs it should have access to the right service, the right housing, at the right place & at the right time”