They have formed a new strategy for how they want to tackle homelessness over the next three years.
The main priorities set out in the strategy are:
• To provide advice, information and support on housing and related issues to enable those at risk of becoming homeless to take steps to remain in their accommodation where feasible and appropriate, or to undertake a planned move if required
• To identify those at risk of becoming homeless at the earliest possible stage, and to intervene proactively to prevent them becoming homeless
• Where a household does become homeless, to support them to find appropriate alternative accommodation as quickly as possible
• To prevent anyone having to sleep rough
• To maximise the supply of affordable rented accommodation
Buckinghamshire Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Regulatory Services, Mark Winn, said:
“Every case of homelessness is one too many. Our draft strategy sets out our ambition to fulfil one of the main priorities of the council – to virtually eliminate rough sleeping, which is one of the most visual aspects of homelessness. The strategy also aims to make a significant contribution to reducing homelessness across Buckinghamshire in the future.
Our aim is to work together with our partners to prevent homelessness for many households and ensure that necessary support is in place, for those households who do face losing their home. Additionally, we will work within the council and external partners to help those who are rough sleepers to address the issues that caused them to be in that situation, to then progress to a position where they can support themselves in accommodation.”
You can tell the Council your views on the draft strategy in one of the following ways:
Complete the survey online or download a hard copy to fill in and send back at https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com
Email at homelessnessstrategy@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Write at Homelessness Strategy Consultation, Buckinghamshire Council, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8FF
If you have any questions about this consultation, you can email homelessnessstrategy@buckinghamshire.gov.ukor phone 0300 131 6000.
The consultation closes at midnight on 21 March.