Council takes ‘decisive’ action with aim to break cycle of homelessness
A series of measures are being rolled out to tackle homelessness
“Decisive” action is being taken to tackle homelessness in Gloucester with new preventive measures.
Gloucester City Council is rolling out a series of measures to help solve the problem.
The authority has started working with the Ministry of Justice to set up a dedicated role focused on homelessness among ex-offenders.
The City Council has also partnered with Gloucestershire County Council to launch housing drop-in sessions at family hubs.
And they are launching new tenancy rescue programmes which aims to prevent homelessness across the city.
Housing cabinet member Luke Shervey (LD, Longlevens) updated councillors at the latest full council meeting at North Warehouse.
“We’ve partnered with the family hubs and the County Council to launch housing drop-in sessions across the city,” he told the meeting.
“These drop in sessions will offer advice and support on a wide range of housing issues.
“Under our leadership we are making sure help is not just available but it is also accessible.”
Cllr Shervey also said the authority is “taking decisive action on homelessness by relaunching their tenancy rescue initiatives”.
“Now stronger and more effective than ever before, the initiatives will aim to prevent homelessness across all rented sectors – which is a growing concern previously overlooked.
“Our new approach will focus on early intervention, prevention at the core and long term solutions for residents.”
He also said the council has started working directly with the Ministry of Justice to introduce a dedicated role focused on preventing homelessness among ex-offenders and prison leavers.
Cllr Shervey said there is a strong link between leaving prison, becoming homeless and reoffending.
“By breaking those links it would help those individuals and society as a whole,” he said.
“These are proactive and preventative measures that will truly make a difference.”