Council plots strategy to cut homelessness levels

North Yorkshire Council said rising housing costs were contributing to homelessness

A strategy to cut levels of homelessness and rough sleeping in North Yorkshire is due to be discussed next week.

North Yorkshire Council said its plan focused on providing "good quality and stable" housing, as well as on providing "longer-term support" for people affected.

The local authority was one of the first in the country to introduce a tax on second homes, which doubles bills for ratepayers affected.

The council said the estimated £10m a year the tax is due to raise will be used to tackle housing issues in the county.

Councillor Simon Myers, executive member for housing, said rising housing costs and demands on affordable housing were among the factors making homelessness difficult to tackle.

He said: "We are seeing increasing demand on our services given the rurality of North Yorkshire, the county's ageing population and economic inequalities.

"A huge amount of work is ongoing to expand our temporary accommodation offer, invest in new models of supported housing and strengthening our partnerships with the voluntary and community sector. These efforts have recently received praise on a national level."

The draft homelessness strategy, which is now a legal requirement of all local authorities, will be debated by senior councillors at a meeting on Tuesday.

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