A STRATEGY to provide the best possible support for those sleeping rough and at risk of homelessness has been agreed by Allerdale Borough Council.

Executive members of the council met at Allerdale House last week voting to approve the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-27.

It will be the authority’s last before the new Cumberland Council assumes control of Allerdale, Copeland and Carlisle.

Deputy leader of the council Marion Fitzgerald presented the strategy for approval telling senior councillors that Allerdale’s work in this area is very important to her.

“This is a service that the council provides that is very close indeed to my heart, I’m very proud of the hard work and dedication of the homelessness team and the considerable improvements that have been achieved recently.”

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An investigation was carried out to support the strategy unearthing “some stark statistics and interesting revelations.”

Councillor Fitzgerald said: “The significant proportion of ‘households’ presenting as homeless or at risk of homeless are in fact comprised of single people.

“A great many of those presenting also have complex support needs such as mental health issues, physical ill health, a history of offending and repeat homelessness. Drug and alcohol are also issues that are far from uncommon.”
The area saw 329 applications for support during the 2020/21 financial year.

The latest strategy will see the council focus on a ‘Housing First’ style service model, moving away from the use of B&Bs which took place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Allerdale Council will also continue to prioritise prevention, strengthening ongoing work with external partners.

This includes delivery of training on the statutory Duty to Refer which enables earlier identification of homelessness.

Those who have previously been homeless will be supported once in long term suitable accommodation “to ensure the cycle of the revolving door of homelessness ends.”

The council will strengthen relationships with private sector landlords, ensuring access to alternative housing solutions including shared accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness.  

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