Council paves way forward to tackle homelessness

10 July 2018

Over the past year, Southwark Council has been asking for input from partners representing residents across the borough in developing a new homelessness strategy. Now in its final stages, the council needs to further hear people’s views on the way forward for tackling homelessness from this year to 2022. The draft strategy covers every aspect of risk to homelessness, rough sleeping, vulnerability, supply and demand and how to help those on the council’s waiting list for housing.

Over the next six weeks, to 2 August 2018, the council is asking for residents to take a look at the strategy’s objectives and feed back any further comments to the council.

Councillor Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for housing management and modernisation, said: “We want to hear from the people for whom this strategy could benefit the most, and from anyone who wants to help shape a long-term strategy to tackle a growing problem.

“For me, getting to the root cause of homelessness is the answer and supporting families, especially those with children, when they go through difficult times. That’s why I want the council to have the power to evict the perpetrators of domestic abuse, allowing the victim to stay in the family home. It’s so important to support the best start in life for children by continuing to help allocate appropriate housing for families, with the highest consideration to protecting and offering stability to children’s lives.

“Homelessness is a huge issue and we want to make sure we continue to be at the forefront of dealing with it, in the most effective ways possible so I welcome everyone’s feedback.”

Any comments will be considered as part of the development of the draft strategy, before it is presented to the council’s cabinet. 

Once adopted, it will be the council’s main strategic plan for the prevention of homelessness. You can take part here: www.southwark.gov.uk/homelessness
 

Page last updated: 10 July 2018