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Still work to be done in Brum, warns councillor

March 06 2012
Birmingham has made some progress, but good advice before peple become homeless is essential

 

Birmingham City Council has released its Homeless Strategy and Review for 2012. Since its previous review in 2008, the council has worked collaboratively, with some success in tackling rough sleeping and improving hostels. Cllr John Lines, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The issue of homelessness is a major concern to us all. We have made progress in this area, but there’s still work to be done...

“We are working against a backdrop of growing unemployment, a troubling economic climate and family fragmentation. Prevention is better than cure, and our plans will help to prevent homelessness in the city.”

The number of people in Birmingham recognised as homeless is increasing, with the city accounting for almost half of all ‘homelessness acceptances’ in the West Midlands and nine per cent of the national total. The number of homeless applications is at its highest level since 2005, with the main reasons people declaring themselves homeless including relatives or friends no longer willing to accommodate them and domestic violence.

The report states that as of April 2011 there were 2,153 units of specific homeless accommodation within the city, including domestic refuge hostels and emergency accommodation for young people, and that in 2010/11, 4,810 households were prevented from becoming homeless, whether through assistance to obtain alternative accommodation, or to remain living in their current home.

In order to reduce homelessness in Birmingham, the report outlines two key outcomes. The first is to prevent homelessness, stating: “homelessness can often be prevented if help can be accessed early enough”. To achieve this prevention the report suggests that the council should: work towards providing high-quality, consistent housing advice; provide schemes specific to the problems which lead to homelessness, e.g. family mediation and sanctuary schemes for those threatened by domestic violence; explore the possibility of a ‘Social Lettings Agency’ a not-for-profit organisation which would let on behalf of landlords and could mean greater security and quality accommodation for tenants; and review current policy so that access to social housing is fairer and more transparent.

For those who are already homeless, or who still become homeless, the second priority is to provide secure, suitable accommodation and support for those in crisis to manage the transition to settled accommodation. The report says: “At the point of becoming homeless, no-one should have to sleep rough, or remain in temporary accommodation for longer than is necessary.” In order to achieve this, the report suggests that the council should: help vulnerable people move on from supported accommodation through planned housing pathways; house the homeless in the private rented sector rather than in social housing or temporary accommodation; and co-ordinate services so that the impact homelessness has on healthcare, employment and education services is minimised.

A number of different funding sources have been identified to acquire the money required to provide the variety of services outlined above, with the hope that a variety of funders will mean that the services needed have a better chance of being provided.

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