A strategy and action plan intended to tackle homelessness has been approved by the cabinet
Southwark Council has agreed to go ahead with an £11.5m plan to tackle homelessness that includes buying back former council homes on estates.
Southwark Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030, which was consulted on between September and December last year, were passed by the local authority cabinet at a meeting last week.
Proposed amendments based on the consultation process as well as an action plan were approved by the local authority cabinet.
Under the plans, £11m from the Local Authority Housing Fund will be used to buy back former council homes on estates.
Southwark is also looking at bringing some additional properties on the Aylesbury Estate – currently the subject of regeneration plans by Notting Hill Genesis – back into use as temporary accommodation, but it says it aims to keep the regeneration process “on track”.
The council also committed an additional £520,000 this year to strengthen homelessness prevention and support services.
Southwark reported a 72% success rate last year in preventing homelessness where early help was provided.
>>See also: Southwark approves Aylesbury Estate homes following second staircase delay
It is expanding its Housing First offer and will hold regular prevention forums with social housing providers and community partners. It also plans to create a Rogue Landlord Taskforce to clamp down on housing fraud, while incentivising affordable rents.
Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development said:“Every instance of homelessness is a tragedy. We believe everyone deserves to have a decent, safe affordable home.
“Early intervention and help is vital to creating the best possible outcomes for people at risk of homelessness and we’ve set out an ambitious five-year plan to tackle homelessness in Southwark.
”We will work tirelessly across the council, with housing associations, community partners, and with the government to do everything we can to reduce homelessness and help people at risk of homelessness.”
Southwark intends to work towards ending rough sleeping in the borough by 2030.
The latest figures show a record number of households in temporary accommodation, including one in 21 children in London, and rough sleeping on the rise across England.
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