Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet asked to approve new Homelessness Strategy

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy at the Cabinet meeting on 12th March.

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy will run from 2025 until 2030 and aims to address the wide range of factors that contribute to homelessness in the borough.

The Strategy has been developed with the Homelessness Reduction Board, data from the Homelessness Review and engagement with partners. The information gathered has helped the Council to understand the current and future needs of households who are affected by homelessness. A consultation closed in November, which asked for the views of residents, stakeholders, and people with lived experience on the draft strategy. The feedback received has helped to influence the strategy.

The vision for the strategy is for the Council to ‘Work in partnership to end homelessness in Cheshire West and Chester’, with three main priorities:

1. Prevent homelessness through early intervention and personalised housing options.
2. End rough sleeping and support those with complex support needs.
3. Develop and improve access to a range of settled, supported and temporary accommodation options.

Cllr Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, said:

“As a Council we believe that nobody in our Borough should be forced to sleep rough and become homeless. Our vision is that we work in partnership to prevent it with all residents and organisations, such as charities, housing associations and businesses. The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy is based upon understanding evidence and people’s experiences, which is so important in developing our approach to preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping. The Strategy will be monitored and reviewed every year with a detailed action plan so that we can respond to emerging needs, trends and policy changes.”

For more information, advice and support on homelessness or helping someone in need, please visit:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing/housing-advice-and-homelessness/housing-advice-and-homelessness