Council asks for views on new Homelessness Strategy

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a consultation on its new draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

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 current strategy needs to be renewed and the consultation seeks the views of residents, stakeholders, and people with lived experience on the new draft. 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.

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. The Council’s vision is that all residents and organisations within Cheshire West and Chester work together to prevent homelessness. We are very proud to work alongside a range of partners, including charities, housing associations and businesses as shown by the Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Pledge.

“This renewed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy is vital in outlining our approach based upon understanding evidence and people’s experiences. I encourage people to share their thoughts on what the priorities should be and how we deliver them over the next five years. This will help us, together with partners, to prevent homelessness and end rough sleeping.”

The consultation will run until 10 November 2024. The feedback received will be used to influence the final strategy which will then be decided upon by Cabinet.

People can share their thoughts online by visiting the website:

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Consultation | Cheshire West and Chester Council

The survey and information is also available in paper form on request and in libraries. There will also be drop-in sessions for residents which will be advertised through local community groups and information sessions provided by key members of the Homelessness Reduction Board, who were involved in developing the strategy.

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