Council changes to 'break cycle' of homelessness

Some of the schemes are designed to support those struggling with rent

A council is adopting new measures aimed at preventing people from becoming homeless.

Gloucester City Council said it had taken a number of steps - including setting up a dedicated role specifically to tackle homelessness among ex-offenders along with running housing drop-in sessions at family hubs.

It is hoped the new measures, which include a Tenancy Rescue Scheme to support renters, will help to stop people falling through the cracks.

"What we see on the streets is only a small percentage, there's a lot of people who are classed as hidden homeless," said Richard Stone from the charity Caring for Communities and People.

He added that 'sofa surfing' and people in temporary or unsuitable accommodation are part of the issue.

"This also includes people who are leaving the prison system and people who are in hospital waiting for a discharge where their health and care has changed and their accommodation is no longer suitable," he said.

The moves by the city council comes as Gloucester has seen a 47% increase in year-on-year recorded rough sleepers.

According to government figures, in 2023 there were 19 people recorded as sleeping rough, a number that rose to 28 in 2024.

Charities believe the real figure is likely to be much higher.

Richard Stone says there are a number of reasons why people find themselves homeless

"A lot of people are struggling to make ends meet and if you can't then you're not going to be able to pay your rent," said Mr Stone.

The Tenancy Rescue Scheme provides people who are struggling with rent payments or arrears as well as other services like dispute mediation between tenants and landlords or repair work.

Something similar has previously existed in Gloucester and the belief is that any expenses are made up for by cancelling out the additional costs of temporary accommodation and other support.

"This will add an extra resource to our provision," said Mr Stone.

"By ensuring that people keep their tenancies and get more suitable tenancies we can reduce the risk of them becoming homeless."

The council is also working with the Ministry of Justice to recruit a dedicated officer to work with those that have recently been released from prison and ensure that they do not end up with nowhere to live:

"We know there is often a strong link between leaving prison, becoming homeless and then also reoffending," said Councillor Luke Shervey, housing cabinet member at Gloucester City Council.

"By breaking those links it would help those individuals and society as a whole," he said.

The council are also working with Gloucestershire County Council to offer housing drop-in sessions at family hubs across the city.

"These drop in sessions will offer advice and support on a wide range of housing issues," said Mr Shervey.