Plans to scrap homelessness budget in Devon discussed

The proposed cuts were discussed at County Hall in Exeter on Thursday

Cutting a £1.5m homelessness budget in Devon could lead to the closure of five homeless hostel services, charities have claimed.

The possible scrapping of the budget was discussed by Devon County Council members on Thursday.

Charities said losing the money could also lead to the closure of a service working with people to prevent them becoming homeless.

The council has previously said it "simply" cannot afford the fund.

A final decision will be made by the council on 23 August.

Charities said homeless numbers were increasing in the county.

St Petrock's is leading a coalition of organisations against the cuts

Exeter homelessness charity St Petrock's is leading a coalition of organisations opposing the proposed cuts.

The charity's CEO, Peter Stephenson, said the council was correct in saying it did not have a statutory duty to prevent homelessness but Mr Stephenson said this "sidesteps the key issue".

He said: "This funding provides support for people in huge need facing acute disadvantage, many of whom will otherwise need Adult Social Care intervention at Devon's expense if this support is stripped away.

"Furthermore, if they lose this support, those teetering on the edge of needing Adult Social Care will experience a dramatic downturn in their wellbeing.

"It's hard to see how these cuts represent any financial saving overall."

'Dangerous and short-sighted'

Homeless Link, the national membership body for frontline homelessness services, said the council's own impact assessment found about 250 people received support through the funding.

Peter Smith, Homeless Link's director of sector development, said cutting the funding would be a "dangerous and short-sighted decision".

He said: "Not only will it cause a sharp rise in rough sleeping, it will also be placing additional strain on valuable health and social care services, meaning the proposed savings represent a false economy."

At the meeting on Thursday, the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee recommended pausing the plans after speaking to charities like the YMCA in Exeter, which warned it would be at risk of closure.

'Seek a judicial review'

But, Jess Bailey, Independent councillor for the Otter Valley, said her proposal to pause cuts until the end of the 2024/2025 financial year had been "voted down".

"That's really disappointing, particularly because of the cost of living crisis and the rise in homelessness and I think the county council should be doing everything it possibly can to try and help the most vulnerable people, particularly at the moment," she said.

After the meeting, YMCA Exeter said: "We have tried to talk this through, we have tried to allow common sense to prevail but if the evidence is ignored, we have no other option but to proceed along a legal route.

"We've highlighted a number of failings and incorrect procedures in this process, and should the cabinet make a decision to cease this funding we will have no option but to seek a judicial review of the decision."

Devon County Council has been approached for comment about the possible scrapping of the budget.