Hampshire County Council is urging residents to make their views known on proposed changes to the support provided for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, by Friday 10th August.
The proposals put forward are to move away from providing support for those with less critical needs, and to focus support on the most vulnerable – which would include 24/7 supported accommodation to meet the needs of people who are sleeping rough, or at risk of sleeping rough.
Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said “With one weeks to go, I would encourage anyone with views on homelessness support services, to have their say via our public consultation.
“We recognise how vital the right support is for those who find themselves homeless, or at risk of being so, and while we have spoken to a range of organisations, including district and borough councils, to help us to find solutions on how best to provide support going forward within a reduced budget, we also want to hear from the public, and local community organisations.”
The County Council’s Homelessness Support services currently comprise hostels and other supported accommodation, as well as community support services. These services complement the support provided by district and borough councils who have a statutory duty to ‘prevent and relieve’ homelessness.
The proposals set out options for potential savings of £1.8 million, and include a continued spend of £2.4 million on homelessness support to help those most in need. Those with less critical needs would be helped to access other sources of information, advice and assistance.
The county’s residents can have their say at https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations
