We are asking for feedback on our draft strategy to tackle the pressures of homelessness and rough sleeping.
A consultation launched on 22 March and runs for seven weeks until 7 May to give residents and local organisations the chance to review and submit comments on the approach we want to take.*
The strategy has been developed following a review of homelessness in Dorset taking insight from local agencies, organisations and individuals with direct experience of homelessness. It aims to provide a single plan for agencies working together to tackle and prevent homelessness in the area.
By focusing our efforts we hope to:
- Provide better support for vulnerable families and communities where homelessness exists
- Improve the help available for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness
- Work to address the causes of homelessness
- Work collaboratively throughout the council so that we can demonstrate need and ensure we fund the right activities
- Benefit from the essential contribution of national and local public bodies, housing associations, voluntary organisations and community groups
View the strategy and take part in the consultation.
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio for Housing and Community Safety said:
“This five-year strategy seeks to tackle all forms of homelessness in Dorset and has been developed through extensive research conducted with many of the organisations we work with, people who have been or currently are homeless, and our own council services and councillors.
“Following these conversations, it’s clear there are specific areas of focus if we are to truly tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in Dorset.
“We think we have set out the right approach to help all people at risk of homelessness in Dorset but we need your feedback to make sure. If this is an issue of importance to you, please read our strategy and take part in the consultation.”
The consultation is open for comments until 7 May 2021.
To view the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and take part in the consultation go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/homelessness-strategy
If you need help to access the draft strategy and take part in the consultation, please contact Dorset Council on 01305 221000.
More about homelessness
English local housing authorities are required by the Homelessness Act 2002 to take strategic responsibility for tackling and preventing homelessness in their area.
If approved, Dorset Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy is intended be in place for a maximum of five years, from 2021-2026.
Find further information about from Dorset Council about homelessness.
*Please note, this post was amended on 29 April 2021. The original post said that the consultation would close on 30 April 2021. The consultation deadline has been extended by one week until 7 May 2021 to allow time for further submissions to be made.
This strategy should have been part of the local plan making process.
Please work together, planners, housing specialist, environmentalist, landscape architects, conservationist, ecologist… you are working for the Dorset Council..
Local plan provides a framework for all separate strategies formulated by different sections of the DC. Why do you waste our money/ tax payers money, introducing a number of consultation documents. WE DO NOT HAVE TIME AND YOU DO NOT HAVE MONEY
WHY NOT WORKING COLLABRATIVELY AND JOINTLY IN THE COUNCIL< NOT WASTING OUR TIME AND MONEY ….
WE, AS TAX PAYERS, WANT TO SEE COLLABRATIVE WORK AMONGST THE COUNCIL WORKERS.. ALL THESE, CLIMATE AND ECOLOGICAL EMERGENCY STRATEGY, HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY COUD HAVE BEEN WORKED WITHING THE PREPARATION OF THE LOCAL PLAN. STILL HAVE TIME WORKING JOINTLY AND COLLECTIVELY..
IT is laudable that a strategy for homelessness is proposed.
I have never completely understood why empty buildings have stood for years without utilisation to this purpose. For instance the old Grammer School in Swanage is one consideration. I can understand that the cost of improvements and making safe such a structure must be a headache for councils already stretched but surely grants or other means of people power could help raise funds. Just my thoughts from someone who has worked for Crisis in London one Christmas and has great concern for these often overlooked souls.
I have recently lobbied the Government to provide for vulnerable people who may be homeless. Nobody should be in this position. Local authorities need funds to tackle this issue.