The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The number of homeless people in Lincolnshire has dramatically increased but the district council says it’s “optimistic” its new approach can reduce figures.
A South Holland District Council press release reports that rough sleeping is rising and there has been a year-on-year increase in rough sleeping levels across Lincolnshire.
It says: “There has been a 100 per cent rise from 2012 to 2016 and a further 87 per cent rise between 2016 and 2017, according to the autumn rough sleeper counts.”
In response to the dramatic increase in homeless people, a combined council partnership has launched its Homeless Strategy.
Amanda Pauling, Homelessness Prevention Programme Manager for Lincolnshire said the challenge ahead is difficult but she is optimistic about the strategy and the partnership.
She said: “This strategy represents a genuine partnership approach to tackle and prevent homelessness.
“Together we have a real opportunity to make an impact for those who find themselves homeless in Lincolnshire.
“The challenge ahead is difficult as there are many factors that contribute to homelessness. But everyone has the right to a safe and secure home and that has to be our goal.”
The new homelessness strategy for Lincolnshire sets out the key challenges, priorities and objectives for preventing and tackling homelessness across Lincolnshire over the next five years.
The council said it has five priority areas: “partnership, prevent, protect, place and possibility,” all of which are geared at access and support.
The partnership has already implemented the new Homelessness Reduction Act. It includes a new duty to prevent homelessness regardless of priority need and for authorities to agree a personal housing plan with each applicant to prevent or relieve homelessness.
Amanda Pauling explained the Act represents a ‘key change in homelessness legalisation’ particularly setting out greater support to prevent or relieve homelessness for those who are not in priority need.
South Holland District Councillor Christine Lawton, portfolio holder for Housing and Health said: “I strongly support the launch of this new strategy to help tackle the scourge of rough sleeping across South Holland and Lincolnshire.
“By working cooperatively across the county with these specific areas of focus we can offer more comprehensive and invaluable help to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
The council, which in 2016/17 had 95 homeless people, said the ending of assured shorthold tenancy and violence are the main reasons for homelessness.
