New provider takes on running of homeless shelter

Oasis House has self-contained apartments and is staffed round-the-clock

A homeless shelter which aims to help people get into permanent accommodation is to be run by a new provider.

Oasis House on Campbell Street, Northampton, has been managed by Midland Heart, which did not tender for West Northamptonshire Council's new support contract, awarded to Connect Support.

The announcement follows the closure of separate homeless accommodation in the town following a funding dispute.

"This new partnership will strengthen our ability to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable residents," said Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing and communities.

Oasis House has 58 beds in self-contained apartments and bedsits and is staffed round-the-clock.

The council said the new service was expected to deliver long-term benefits and financial savings by preventing repeat homelessness and rough sleeping, reducing demand for supported housing and adult social care, and minimising costs linked to offending, poor health, and unemployment.

On Tuesday, it emerged Northampton Association for Accommodation for Single Homeless (NAASH), which supported accommodation for about 200 people, had closed.

NAASH said council funding had been held up because the authority has disputed the "validity" of housing benefit claims made on behalf of clients.

The Reform UK-controlled council said the charity must "follow the guidelines" and said it was "taking steps to support" affected tenants.