Southampton City Council agrees to new homelessness strategy

Deputy council leader, Lorna Fielker, said Southampton's homelessness rate is "historically higher"

A 'backbone' strategy to help homeless people across Southampton has been backed by local councillors.

Southampton City Council unanimously voted for its new five-year homelessness initiative.

The strategy, launching in 2024, comes after deputy council leader, Lorna Fielker, said the city's homeless rate is "historically higher than average".

The new strategy focuses on the four priorities - prevention, intervention, working together and housing solutions.

Cllr Fielker said Southampton's homelessness rate was rising and raised concerns after the full council meeting that the authority has a shortage of homes.

She said: "We've got a shortage of homes across all sectors and private rents and purchases house prices are out of reach for many people living in Southampton."

The new strategy focuses on the four priorities of prevention, intervention, working together and housing solutions

Cllr Fielker said she "couldn't imagine how terrible" sleeping rough at this time of year would be.

She added: "Our most visible form of homelessness is people having to sleep on the streets and in the park and I can't imagine how terrible that is.

"Especially at this time of year, when your bedding and clothing will get wet and you've got no possible way of drying it - and obviously people do look at you as if your life has no value."

Some of the plans for the authority's strategy include "moving beyond a reactive response" by reducing risks of homelessness across the city.

The council meeting heard the aim of the strategy is to "build a city where everybody has a place to call home"

The council also said it will be "providing timely, appropriate and effective interventions" by improving access to temporary accommodation.

It also intends to build stronger partnerships with people in the community and develop a team of people to help stop those at risk of being evicted.

There are also plans to "diversify accommodation and support options in the city" and improve housing options.

The council meeting heard the aim of the strategy is to "build a city where everybody has a place to call home".

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