By Sammie Jones-
London boroughs are to join forces in providing extra homes for the capital’s homeless backed by government funding. The plan announced today, builds up on concrete government action to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping permanently by 2027.
It is an ambitious plan , yet to be seen in action, but has the right structure in place to see it through. A dramatic reduction in rough sleeping in London within a year or two alone will be a massive step in the right direction. A permanent state of elimination of rough sleeping will be historical, if ever achieved. Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP announced today that thousands of accommodations will be made for vulnerable Londoners at the risk of becoming homeless
The innovative new scheme is the first of its kind , and will be regulated by the British Government via local authorities, Brokenshire’s office say the scheme aims to bring London Boroughs together as a joint force in providing safe accommodation for families on the edge of homelessness. It is backed by almost £38 million of funding from the government’s £1.2 billion overall investment in tackling homelessness. A spokesperson for the Ministry Of Housing told The Eye Of Media.Com:
”There will be one dedicated, knowledgeable team working across London which will increase good practice and expertise.
Capital Letters is to be managed on a day to day basis by an experienced management team and overseen by an executive board which includes borough representatives, MHCLG officials and three non-executive directors”.
They added that ”London Councils are now working to establish the not-for-profit company who will deliver the Capital Letters programme”.
SOLUTION
The additional homes are expected to provide a long-term stable solution for vulnerable families struggling to find secure accommodation, providing a safety net for those who may otherwise feel they have nowhere else to go. Homelessness is a crippling problem for thousands of miserable individuals in the Uk, particularly London, and the government is determined to address that. Accommodation provided to the homeless under the British Ministry of Housing are usually well monitored with 24 hour staff and curfews prohibiting residents from returning to their accommodation drunk and after certain times. They often also have capped times for visitors, and a limited number of such visitors at any one time.
Rules are aimed at restricting the potential for anti social behaviour in accommodation provided for the homeless, given the well known fact that most of the homeless either have an alcoholic problem, a drug problem, or both.
COLLABORATION
Under the new scheme, there would be greater collaboration between London Boroughs in working together to tackle homelessness across the capital. London boroughs will be encouraged to work together in boosting accommodation to tackle homelessness across the capital.
Currently, all London boroughs are responsible for providing accommodation for those at risk of homelessness both inside and outside their area. However, this can often lead to areas competing for the best accommodation – driving up prices and slowing down the provision of quality housing for the most vulnerable.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:
”Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. I’ve seen for myself how hard each of the London boroughs works to provide those that are homeless with the support they need and a roof over their heads.
This radical new way of working and unprecedented collaboration between the boroughs and government will make a real difference – providing more accommodation for the vulnerable and helping them to get back on their feet and away from homelessness for good.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, said:
With so many homeless households and so little accommodation available, London faces the country’s most serious homelessness challenge.
Capital Letters is a crucial opportunity to do things differently – and we are extremely pleased to have the government’s support for this innovative work.
Through collaboration, boroughs will collectively strengthen our market position and secure much better housing options for homeless Londoners.
To date, 11 London boroughs have signed up to the scheme, with more expected to come on board in the future. Over the next 3 years, the scheme is expected to help over 35,000 households within Greater London out of homelessness.
London Councils are now working to establish the not-for-profit company who will deliver the Capital Letters programme. They will be tasked with providing this vital service on behalf of the boroughs and will undertake the management of the homes which are provided.
The joined-up approach will also give those at risk of homelessness the chance to stay closer to where they currently live, meaning that disruption to their employment or education can be reduced during what is already a difficult time.
Capital Letters is being supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness and encouraging collaborative solutions to tackle the issue.