Have your say on our draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy

Background

We're looking to refresh our homelessness and rough sleeper strategy to meet the needs of our residents and communities for the next five years (2023 - 2028). The strategy outlines how we will work with partners to tackle, and help prevent, homelessness and sleeping rough in County Durham.

The new strategy

The new strategy will be developed around four main areas of work, which are outlined in the Gov.uk: homelessness code of guidance for local authorities.

These priorities are:

Priority 1: prevent people from becoming homeless

We have a range of tools and advice to help prevent homelessness at the earliest opportunity. We believe in, and are committed to, continuing and expanding these through targeted initiatives and specialist teams.

Priority 2: improve access to and supply of accommodation

We recognise the pressure on demand for suitable and appropriate accommodation, within the county, for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. Over the next five years, we aim to increase the availability and provision of specialist accommodation, where there is a need.

Priority 3: ensure the appropriate support is available for people who are homeless (work with partners to build resilience in people)

We understand that some people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, may benefit from additional support, to enable them to access and sustain suitable accommodation. Over the next five years, we aim to increase accessibility to support, improve referral pathways and ensure support is tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

Priority 4: end rough sleeping for good

Over the next five years we aim to end rough sleeping for good, aligned to Gov.uk: ending rough sleeping for good. We will focus on:

• better prevention
• swift and effective intervention
• recovery and transparent and joined up working

Have your say

What happens next

Your feedback will be used to develop a draft strategy and action plan which will be available for a further round of consultation in April 2023. Once adopted, the new strategy and action plan will be used to shape our work to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping for the next five years.