Nottingham ‘Homelessness Prevention Strategy’ to be aired

The Overview & Scrutiny Review Committee is to meet on Tuesday 17th April to consider a detailed 67 page report: 'The Homelessness Prevention Strategy (2013 - 2018) by Councillor Dave Liversidge. A copy of the Draft Report is available to download here in Adobe pdf format.

In the Forward to the Report, Councillor Liversidge writes:

Homelessness is a complex problem with multiple causes requiring flexible solutions. Over the course of the previous Homelessness Prevention Strategy, Nottingham City Council and our partners have worked to establish a range of homelessness prevention options which have achieved national recognition as effective interventions. Additionally, in the face of rising levels of street homelessness nationally, Nottingham is maintaining low levels and has achieved No Second Night Out status.

Across a range of services Nottingham has recognised the importance of targeted early intervention approaches to meet the needs of our diverse range of citizens. To achieve the best possible results for our citizens and our city, it is essential that partners across different sectors and departments understand their important contribution. Likewise, it is crucial that these partners appreciate the cyclical benefits that our homelessness prevention services have on all of their service areas including health, the criminal justice system, children and families
and education.

Our new homelessness prevention strategy for 2013 is set in a challenging climate of economic downturn and high levels of unemployment, government austerity measures including significant reform to the welfare system and difficult housing market conditions. We know that individually, these factors can disproportionately effect vulnerable people and increase the risk of homelessness. Collectively, these factors produce an environment that is bound to have a considerable impact nationally and locally.

It is a high priority for Nottingham to withstand the effects of the current environment and mitigate its impact. The challenge is significant; however, we do not want to produce a homelessness prevention strategy that is merely reactive. We remain ambitious in our vision and know that we have experienced, skilled and innovative agencies within local partnerships that will rise to the challenge and continue to prevent homelessness effectively and achieve Gold Standard status for our city.

By Councillor Dave Liversidge (St Ann’s)
Portfolio Holder for Housing, Adults and Community Sector