Public Report

Consultation
Homelessness Strategy 2008 to 2013

Consultation Dates
13/05/2008 - 30/05/2008

Backgound
The development of the Homelessness Strategy follows the undertaking of a wide ranging homelessness review which looked at the levels and likely future levels of homelessness in the district the activities and services provided to prevent homelessness, help find accommodation for homeless and potentially homeless people, or provide support for them, including support to prevent them becoming homeless again the resources available to the authority and to Social Services, other public authorities, voluntary organisations and other agencies for providing these services

Consultation on the Review included a workshop to which interested agencies in both statutory and voluntary sector were invited, a survey of service users, meetings with individual agencies including both providers and commissioners and meetings with RSLs (Housing Associations) and housing advice staff.

The Homelessness Strategy must include plans for:

the prevention of homelessness
ensuring that sufficient accommodation is and will be available for people who are or may become homeless
ensuring the satisfactory provision of support for people who are, or who may become homeless and need support to prevent them becoming homeless again

The draft was formally consulted upon during May 2008: A presentation on the draft was given to the Homelessness Forum, a press release was issued about the consultation and people were invited to respond either directly to the relevant council officer or through Consultation Master on the Council’s website.

Results Summary
The findings show that the Strategy is generally approved of, with suggestions for change being mainly about individual actions rather than the general Strategy. Comments and suggestions have been used to inform the final version.

What Next
The final draft of the Strategy was approved by Cabinet on 8th July 2008. The action plan includes targets and dates for achieving outcomes. A Steering Group will meet twice a year to monitor the implementation of the Strategy and ensure that targets are met.

Contact Details
Sheelagh O'Brien
Housing Policy Officer
Neighbourhoods Task Force
Lancaster City Council
61/63 Albert Road
Morecambe
Lancaster
LA4 4HY

Telephone: 01524 405837

Email: Sobrien@lancaster.gov.uk