BCP launches homelessness strategy aimed at making rough sleeping ‘rare’ by 2031
The local authority is listening to people with lived experience and acting earlier in its efforts to end homelessness
A new five-year strategy designed to prevent homelessness before it occurs has been adopted by BCP Council and the Homelessness Partnership BCP, placing early intervention and joined-up support at the centre of efforts to tackle housing insecurity.
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 to 2031 seeks to make homelessness “rare” by identifying people at risk sooner and providing coordinated assistance before crises develop.
It targets those facing the loss of their homes, people already sleeping rough and individuals experiencing less visible forms of homelessness such as sofa surfing.
Councillor Kieron Wilson said the plan marked a shift towards prevention rather than reaction.
“This strategy is about doing things differently,” he said. “We are listening to people who have experienced homelessness, acting earlier and working together as one system.”
The council’s homelessness prevention team has already assisted more than 1,500 households. According to the council, its work has prevented homelessness in 72% of cases and contributed to an 18% reduction in rough sleeping.
People with lived experience of homelessness played a central role in shaping the strategy, which aims to create services that are more compassionate, better coordinated and easier to navigate.
Under the new approach, agencies will work more closely together so that residents do not have to repeatedly recount their circumstances to multiple organisations.
Housing providers, charities, health services, community groups and the education sector are all expected to contribute to its delivery.
Approved unanimously by the council’s cabinet, the plan comes as housing pressures continue to intensify across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The council hopes that by focusing on prevention, sustained support and collaboration, it can help more residents maintain stable homes and avoid the cycle of crisis intervention that has long characterised homelessness services.