Swindon Borough Council asks for views on rough sleeping
The council has put forward a draft rough sleeping strategy for the next three years until 2026
The views of people in Swindon on the council’s plans to cut the number of people sleeping rough are sought.
Swindon Borough Council has put forward a draft rough sleeping strategy for the next three years until 2026, building on its existing plans.
But before it is finalised and put to cabinet and councillors for approval, the authority wants the views of the people of the borough.
The cabinet member for housing Councillor Janine Howarth, said: “As the cabinet member for housing, I along with officers will be reviewing our housing strategies.
“This consultation is for you to have your say on that strategy. As the new administration we promised that we would consult with you and this is the first of these consultations from the housing department.
“I hope many of you will respond to this consultation to shape the future strategy on how we move forward.”
The strategy is available on the council’s website Swindon.gov.org band it says: “In November 2018 we recorded 35 individuals sleeping on the streets of Swindon and 9 most recently in November 2022, while this is great progress we know that without appropriate and further intervention this number will increase again.”
It has used nearly £200,000 awarded four years ago to fund 12 housing units, outreach workers, temporary winter housing, and a ‘one-stop shop’ day centre.
The draft strategy has four main priorities.
The first is “prevent homelessness” with specific measures such as: “developing our services to provide fast access to housing and homelessness services, including through our website and our co-ordinated services, and sharing information appropriately to identify those at risk of rough sleeping to offer advice and support.”
Priority two: “intervention” says: “Offer the right accommodation and support at the right time. No second night sleeping rough. We will do this by making an offer of accommodation and support to all verified rough sleepers, commission supported accommodation that is tolerant, understands and addresses complex needs and which applies a psychologically and trauma informed environment so that we can support people appropriately and address the root causes of rough sleeping.”
Priority three, “recovery” includes: “We will support people to live independently and lead meaningful quality lives by: recruiting a non-medical specialist to assist those with multiple support needs such as mental health and substance misuse, and using a support offer to both prevent further rough sleeping and sustain tenancies once housed.”
The fourth priority is about making sure the council and its partners work together well.
It should take about 10 minutes to complete the consultation online. It is most easily accessed by putting ‘rough sleeper’ in the search box at Swindon.gov.uk