Review of homeless services

FIFE Council has launched a review of the services it offers homeless people amid rising need and plunging budgets.

The number of hostels under local authority management could be cut and other agencies asked to step in as “business as usual” is no longer considered a viable option.

Services including short-term housing support and temporary accommodation will also be reviewed to make best use of available resources.

Head of housing John Mills said homelessness services were facing “significant challenges” as welfare reforms continue to bite.

A cut to housing benefit imposed as part of the UK Government’s benefit changes means the council will lose £3.2 million by 2019/20. On top of that, homelessness is beginning to rise, despite a 45% drop in the number of cases between 2012/16.

Mr Mills said it was vital high-quality services were maintained, but that some would have to be redesigned to adapt to the funding pressures.