Last day for West Devon homelessness consultation

How can councils help with crisis?

People in West Devon and South Hams are being reminded that time is running out to give their views on the councils’ homelessness strategies.  

South Hams has already declared a housing crisis and outlined a number of priority groups in addition to rough sleepers.

The council says single and couples households, families, and people with additional needs must also be prioritised.

West Devon highlights the same ‘at risk’ groups and, along with South Hams, is urging people to have their say on how the problem can be tackled. 

Cllr Judy Pearce (Cons, Salcombe and Thurlestone) South Hams District Council's executive member for housing made a direct plea to residents. "Taking part in this consultation will only take a few minutes of your time but could make all the difference for many people and help our communities to thrive,” she said. 

"Whilst working with partner agencies to support people who are sleeping rough will always be a vital part of our homelessness strategy, we know there are more layers to the issue of homelessness. 

“Increasing rental prices coupled with a rise in the cost of living means more and more local people find themselves at risk of having nowhere to live.

"People are relying on staying with friends and family to keep themselves in the area close to schools and jobs - something that just isn't sustainable.  

“They may be forced to move away because they cannot find affordable homes locally, and we face the very real threat of many people who carry out essential jobs, like caring, leaving our area and leaving a huge void.

"Our homelessness strategy is part of our five year housing strategy and specifically looks at the needs of all people who may be faced with homelessness, including those being priced out of our area.”

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council explained: "When you say 'homeless,' many of us automatically think about people sleeping rough. However, a great many people access our services because they are unable to afford their current home or have been asked to leave through no fault of their own.  

“Many of these people then struggle to find a home that is affordable for them and face the prospect of having nowhere to go. The council is working to increase the number of properties locally available at below market rate to ease this issue.

"We work extensively with people who are rough sleeping or sofa surfing and at risk of rough sleeping. Working with multiple agencies, this approach finds a suitable long-term home for someone who is homeless. 

“It also significantly increases their chances of keeping the accommodation and making positive life choices. 

“While not everyone chooses to take up this offer, the mix of intensive support, outreach work and open offer of accommodation has resulted in low numbers of people sleeping rough in the borough. At our last rough sleeper count in November 2021, we were pleased to once again find no one sleeping rough.”  

The homelessness strategies for South Hams and West Devon set out priorities to prevent and relieve homelessness.

Both local authorities say they aim to provide a sustainable supply of accommodation and support options for residents' needs.

The six-week consultation process ends today, Wednesday 23 March.