Homelessness prevention strategy set to be introduced across Colchester
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 sets out how the council will work with local partners to reduce homelessness across the city
A new five-year strategy that aims to prevent homelessness 'before it reaches crisis point' is set to be brought in by Colchester City Council.
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 sets out how the council will work with local partners, including charities, housing providers and residents that have experienced homelessness to reduce homelessness across the city.
The council's aims for the strategy:
- break the cycle of homelessness through prevention and early intervention;
- support people to maintain their accommodation;
- improve partnership working and coordinated support;
- enable people to access suitable homes; and
- reduce the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation.
The council says the strategy places a 'strong emphasis on preventing homelessness wherever possible', helping residents access support before housing problems become a crisis.
Actions include strengthening support for young people and families, improving tenancy sustainment services, developing financial inclusion support, expanding advice and information, and working with partners to provide coordinated support for people facing complex challenges.
The strategy will be supported by a five-year action plan that sets out how the council, and its partners will deliver these commitments and report on progress.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, homelessness was prevented for 226 households and relieved for a further 136 households.
The new strategy builds on this work and sets out a long-term approach to tackling homelessness in Colchester.
Councillor Rhys Smithson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home.
"This strategy sets out how we will continue working alongside our partners to prevent homelessness wherever possible and support residents at the earliest opportunity.
"We have listened carefully to residents, local organisations and people with lived experience of homelessness while developing this strategy. Their feedback has helped shape a clear plan focused on prevention, partnership working and practical action.
"By working together, we can help more people stay in their homes, access support when they need it and reduce homelessness across our city."
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 will be considered by Cabinet on 2 September 2026.