Homelessness figures LONG TERM measures to tackle homelessness in Dundee at source before people lose their homes are beginning to bear fruit. New figures show that since 2008/09 homelessness applications in the city have dropped by 46% compared with a national average reduction of 36%. John Alexander convener of Dundee City Council’s housing committee said: “We took a decision to refocus our efforts in the homelessness service towards prevention rather than crisis management. “In addition a number of support and accommodation services have been developed in partnership with the voluntary sector that have also have contributed to the sustained year on year reduction in applications. “It was disappointing to see that the latest figures from the Scottish Government show a 3% fall in applications across Scotland against a 6% rise in Dundee, but it is worth noting that 13 councils have reported a rise in homelessness applications increasing by up to 68% in some areas. “Our latest projection for Dundee is that we will end 2014/15 with an increase of just 3% in applications, but we remain proud of the fact that we have not used bed and breakfast accommodation in the city for at least two years. “People who come to us identifying themselves as homeless and in crisis are always offered accommodation with a high level of support.” Cllr Alexander added: “This figure only represents a single year in which we saw unprecedented levels of poverty caused by national economic conditions and the UK Government’s welfare reforms. “I am confident that recent changes we have introduced to delivering Housing Options Services will result in the early identification of people at risk of homelessness. “The focus of the service will be on early intervention, targeted housing advice and increased prevention of homelessness. “I am sure that introducing this service will have a positive effect on continuing the success we have had over the past five years in reducing the number homeless households who come to the council only when their situation becomes critical. - See more at: dundeecity.gov.uk/news/article?article_ref=2404#sthash.1tokGHEk.dpuf
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:43:34 +0000
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