Liberal Democrat Executive implement new Homeless Strategy for York (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrat Executive implement new Homeless Strategy for York

July 16, 2008 3:16 PM

A new Homeless Strategy, implemented at the Executive meeting yesterday, outlines the council's vision for homelessness services in York. It sets out plans for reducing the number of people who become homeless, and providing services for those people whose homelessness the council is unable to prevent.

The new strategy is a result of a review conducted last year of homelessness and homelessness services in York, and details what needs to be done to address homelessness in York over the next five years.

Cllr Sue Galloway, Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, endorsed the Homeless Strategy at a meeting last month. She said, "With a coordinated approach, I believe the city can eradicate the threat of homelessness. In the past few years we have improved our knowledge of how people can become homeless and how we can prevent it, and we are now in a very good position to effectively tackle homelessness in York."

The Homeless Strategy particularly focuses on a preventative approach to tackling homelessness, addressing the causes of homelessness. It aims to ensure that people who are at risk of homelessness have access to information and services to sustain independent living and prevent homelessness, and that accommodation is provided which meets housing needs.

The strategy also highlights the need to build on a coordinated approach from service providers across all sectors, including health and probation services, the Council's children's and housing services, and voluntary agencies, working together to prevent and address homelessness.

Cllr Christian Vassie, Executive Member responsible for Social Inclusion, added, "Tackling homelessness is part of our wider agenda to tackle social inclusion. We have a key role to play in bringing together all the various agencies across the city to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless. To that end we are hoping to arrange a multi-agency event in the autumn to help residents avoid the worst of the credit crunch by giving free advice on reorganising mortgage payments, managing domestic finances, and reducing household food and energy bills."