Homelessness in East Devon rises dramatically

There has been a dramatic rise in homelessness approaches in East Devon.

In 2017/18, East Devon District Council received 261 homeless approaches and accepted a homeless duty in respect of 28 cases where they could not prevent homelessness. By mid-April 2018, they had received an unprecedented 51 homeless approaches in the first 17 days of the new legislation.

A report from John Golding, Strategic Lead – Housing, Health & Environment that goes to the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, asks the council to recognise the increase in homelessness and agree the responses proposed to increase the supply of temporary accommodation.

He is also asking for approval to creation of a Temporary or Homeless Accommodation Officer post to support households in temporary accommodation and source new temporary accommodation for homeless households.

Mr Golding, in his report says: “This report highlights the challenges we are facing with rising levels of homelessness and securing temporary accommodation and long-term affordable housing for homeless households. We have experienced an increase in homelessness consistent with national trends, and an extended set of statutory duties to tackle homelessness.

“Homelessness has always been a priority for the Council and has been managed through prevention, timely advice and assistance, early intervention, resulting relatively low numbers of homeless cases and minimal use of temporary accommodation.

Mr Golding continued: “During 2017/18 we have seen a dramatic rise in temporary accommodation costs as we rely on this form of accommodation to meet our duties. At year end we have spent £296,000 on temporary accommodation against a budget of £20,000. The increased income from rent/benefit was £145,000 against a budget of £20,000."

East Devon District Council’s cabinet meets on Wednesday, June 6, to consider the report.