|
DEALING WITH HOMELESSNESS IN THE ISLES |
28 April 2004 |
|
Issues surrounding homelessness in the Western Isles was on the agenda for the first meeting of the Western Isles Homelessness Strategy Network earlier this week. The purpose of the Network is to further the work of the local Homelessness Task Force, which to date has been Housing Department based, by involving other departments of the Comhairle and external partner agencies. The meeting looked at current local homelessness issues and how best to progress the Homelessness Strategy for the Western Isles. It was agreed that the focus should shift from minor issues, such as applications where no local connection exists which accounts for a very small proportion of all homeless applicationss, to matters of genuine significance. Tony Pendle, Chair of the Network, said: “Homelessness is a growing problem in the Western Isles as reflected in last year's figure of 215 applications, the highest ever recorded figure. I am therefore very excited at the formation of this Network which I am certain will contribute to the alleviation of local homelessness issues and also to the prevention of homelessness occuring in the first place” Much consideration was given to the current local housing shortage and the likely impact of the phasing in of new legislation, in particular the duty to house all households assessed as homeless from 2012 at the latest. At present, the Comhairle has a statutory duty to provide permanent accommodation only for households assessed as having priority need e.g. households with dependent children or homeless as the result of an emergency such as fire or flood. Any household assessed as homeless is currently offered temporary accommodation at the very least. Discussion also focused on vulnerable households for whom a house alone is not always a sufficient solution. For example young people, people with addictions and those with mental health issues are likely to require support in order to successfully sustain any tenancy. All relevant Comhairle departments and partner agencies will be invited to sign up to the strategy demonstrating the commitment of all involved to tackling local homelessness and the related issues. The Network will meet twice annually and the Comhairle’s Homelessness Task Force will continue the ongoing work of monitoring and reviewing the strategy. Anyone wishing further information on the work of the Network or any issue relating to local homelessness should contact the Comhairle’s Homeless Persons Officer on 01851 709374. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
|