Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023 - 28 consultation

We asked

We asked for your views on the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy which seeks to prevent homelessness; ensure a sufficient supply of accommodation; and provide support for people who are or have been homeless.

You said

We received 16 responses to an online consultation questionnaire and held a series of focus groups including: care leaver, adult social care clients, and key homelessness services partner agencies. This feedback suggested:

you wished to see more work on homelessness prevention, particularly the challenge of providing mental health support
there should be greater ongoing support for those placed in temporary accommodation
you expressed a wish for intervention at an early stage
that we should consider using council buildings for temporary accommodation
you wished to see help offered to people with no recourse to public funds.

We did

The final Strategy document was amended to reflect the comments we received and was approved by the council’s Cabinet on 18 July 2023. As a result:

we are working with Barnet Homes to introduce new initiatives to prevent homelessness and offer support to those with mental health needs
the strategy sets out the steps we are taking to support those in temporary accommodation who have support needs
the strategy places an emphasis on early intervention to prevent homelessness
we are working with Barnet Homes to identify how we can most effectively provide additional temporary accommodation. This will include considering any underused council land or buildings
all councils are limited in what help we can offer those with no recourse to public funds. While the strategy does not specifically address this issue we will continue to do all we can to help meet the needs of those qualifying for support.