South Kesteven District Council Says Prevention and Early Intervention Are Key to Tackling Homelessness
It comes as the district had 247 active homeless cases in August and 70 people in temporary accommodation
South Kesteven District Council is emphasising that prevention and early intervention are key to tackling homelessness in the area.
The message comes as the district had 247 active homeless cases in August and 70 people in temporary accommodation.
At a housing overview and scrutiny committee meeting last week, councillors heard the number of active homeless cases had dropped from 304 in April to 223 in July, but had risen again to 247 in August.
We really hope that we’re able to open the night shelter over the winter
Sarah McQueen, housing options manager and head of housing services at South Kesteven District Council, said the authority is focused on supporting people sleeping rough.
“Last year we had the night shelter. We’re planning on reopening it,” she explained.
McQueen added that the council is exploring other possibilities: “We’re also looking at other options and whether they’re financially viable. We really hope that we’re able to open the night shelter over the winter.”
The council has received a 27% increase in government funding to address homelessness, with its homeless prevention grant rising from £592,433 last year to £753,955 for this financial year.
McQueen said the council is working on a range of initiatives to offer support, including creating “a warm space for people who have lost a home, a pet or a job.”
She continued, “The take-up so far of warm spaces has been low but if the numbers increase we will look to see if it’s financially viable to provide more."
“We have a good picture of people who regularly sleep rough so we can support them.”
It’s about connecting with that person and seeing what the issue is
Sarah stressed the importance of prevention and wider support for those at risk:
"For someone who is in a tenancy but is struggling to maintain it, there might be mental health issues, there might be drug and alcohol misuse, and it’s about identifying that at an earlier point."
"So if someone is in rent arrears, it’s about connecting with that person and seeing what the issue is. Has anything changed? Is there anything we can put in place to support you and prevent you from losing your home?"
"People think just build more houses, but it’s not the be-all and end-all; it’s about that holistic support."
According to the Museum of Homelessness, at least 1,611 deaths were recorded in 2024 among people experiencing homelessness, with the biggest increases seen in the South West, East Midlands – where South Kesteven sits – and the East of England.