BCP Council’s work to tackle homelessness recognised by Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has praised BCP Council’s approach to tackling homelessness, recognising the work of local leaders and charities
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has written to BCP Cabinet Member praising the authorities approach to tackling homelessness.
In a personal letter to Councillor Wilson, PM Andy Burnham thanked him for his work to tackle homelessness and highlighted the expertise already existing among local leaders, charities, community organisations and people with lived experience of homelessness.
The Prime Minister wrote: “There are local leaders, charities, purpose-driven businesses, community groups and volunteers – people like you – who have developed proven local-led approaches. And it is time that national government backed you.”
The letter went on to say that there is “no one size fits all” approach to homelessness and that specialist organisations have an important role in supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantages.
The Prime Minister concluded his letter by saying: “The Government looks forward to engaging with you further on this important matter.”
The letter comes at a significant moment for homelessness policy nationally. The PM has made a commitment to tackle rough sleeping across the country, announcing a £442 million national drive aimed at ensuring that people sleeping rough have somewhere safe to stay this winter.
At BCP, Councillor Kieron Wilson has been leading work to shift the council’s approach towards preventing homelessness before it happens, alongside providing faster and more sustained support when people do lose their homes.
A new homelessness strategy launched earlier this year which places prevention, early intervention and working with people who have experienced homelessness at the centre of the council’s approach.
Councillor Kieron Wilson said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the Prime Minister putting homelessness at the heart of the national agenda and recognising something that those of us working at local level have known for a long time: the solutions are often found in our communities.
“My approach has always been that we should intervene as early as possible, prevent homelessness wherever we can and, when someone does become homeless, provide the right support to help them build a stable future.
“I particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to backing local leaders and message that it is time for national government to back us is very welcome.”