London,
03
December
2018
|
13:13
Europe/London

Camden asks for views on measures to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping

Camden Council is asking for views on its proposed homelessness and rough sleeping strategy.

Changes to the welfare benefit system, a shortage of affordable housing and increased private rents are all having an impact nationally, contributing to a homelessness crisis, which in the worst incidences can result in rough sleeping.

“Building on what we know from experience works well in our current approach, we have drafted a robust strategy for preventing homelessness and helping rough sleepers find a sustainable way off the streets.

“This focuses on supporting people threatened with homelessness to help them stay in their homes by working together with private sector landlords and their tenants, a range of voluntary organisations, housing associations and other sectors to tackle some of the deep rooted issues around homelessness.

“We are also calling on the Government to increase funding for new affordable housing in Camden and provide sustainable, long-term support and services to rough sleepers.”
Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes

One of the ways the council are working to combat a shortage of affordable housing is through its Community Investment Programme (CIP). A plan to build 1,100 council homes and 300 Camden Living Rent homes. This year it also secured nearly £31 million of funding from the Mayor’s ‘Building Council Homes for Londoners’ to help build 308 social rented homes through CIP.

“We remain dedicated to supporting families at risk of becoming homeless, and currently have the lowest number of homeless families in temporary accommodation in inner London, a testament to our early intervention.

“The challenge of preventing homelessness is a nationwide issue, particularly in major cities like London, and along with the terrible impact of rough sleeping, we are seeking to implement a robust and sustainable strategy to address these in tandem.”
Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes

You can read the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy online now. The online consultation is now open and will close on Monday 18 February 2019.

If you would like to make more detailed comments or have any queries please email: [email protected]

Cabinet approval for the strategy will be sought next year.