Havering Council has committed to ending the use of hotels for at-risk families by 2030 as part of its new homelessness strategy, following nearly £250,000 in borrowing over three years to fund temporary accommodation.
The Reform-led council has faced significant financial strain from the rising cost of emergency housing, a problem exacerbated by a city-wide shortage of social housing. As a result, the authority has often been forced to pay high sums to keep homeless families in hotels and bed-and-breakfast (B&B) style accommodation.
Over the last five years, Havering Council has been contacted by more than 15,000 households facing homelessness and individuals sleeping rough. The council attributes this to a combination of external factors, including the impact of Covid-19, the increased cost of living, rising rents, and a lack of affordable privately rented homes.
Four-Pronged Strategy to Tackle Homelessness
A newly published report outlines the council's four-pronged strategy for the next four years. The objectives are to end the use of nightly-paid and hotel accommodation by 2030, support people affected by "exploitation and rough sleeping," provide a "better temporary accommodation experience," and deliver "compassionate, empathetic customer care."
To reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, Havering will focus on long-term housing models that offer "greater stability for families" and the council's budget. These include modular accommodation, office-to-residential conversions, and long-term leasing.
Addressing Root Causes and Support Systems
Relationship breakdowns are the most common cause of homelessness in Havering. The council plans to develop support systems for people "affected by exploitation through begging, substance dependency, coercion, family breakdown and complex trauma."
The council notes that street begging "does not always equate to rough sleeping," and enforcement action must be "proportionate," targeted at "harm and exploitation," and handled alongside safeguarding measures.
Next Steps and Oversight
The report will go before Havering's overview and scrutiny committee next week. The strategy represents a significant shift in how the council plans to manage homelessness, aiming to provide more stable and cost-effective solutions for families in need.
