Council defends homeless record amid shock figures

COUNCIL chiefs in Walsall have defended their efforts to help homeless people in the wake of shocking new figures.

Research by charity Shelter revealed Walsall had the fourth highest rate of homelessness in the West Midlands with one in 466 people classed as sleeping rough or living in temporary accommodation waiting for housing.

Their figures also showed that there are a total of 603 homeless people out of a population of 281,293 – 20 of which are living on the streets.

Walsall Labour said there were a number of factors contributing to this “appalling neglect” and added local authorities needed to do more to solve the crisis. But Councillor Adrian Andrew, portfolio holder for strategic housing, said initiatives that the authority had introduced were having a positive effect in helping find homes for people on the list.

He said: “Homelessness is a national issue and it is complex.

“Walsall Council has developed its own homelessness strategy and takes a longer term approach to those most vulnerable, like rough sleepers. People have a right to a home and to feel safe and we are the first Black Country authority to have piloted an innovative local plan called ‘Housing First’ which was launched in November 2017 – which to date has successfully housed 29 rough sleepers. The project helps rough sleepers in the longer term by getting them off the street and into tenancies.

“Specialist workers help them sustain these tenancies and this will lead to meaningful reductions in rough sleeping in the borough and protect some of society’s most vulnerable people from all the associated risks.

“Housing and support are separated and not conditional on accepting support or interventions. This individually-led approach will give tenants greater control over their own lives, but still supports them as they move into independent and permanent housing.

“For the last three years, the council has run its Winter Night Shelter. The service is open to rough sleepers over the winter months and into the spring, is delivered by the Black Country YMCA and assisted by local faith groups and volunteers.”

But Walsall Labour councillor Doug James said: “We can’t blame war, natural disaster or famine. We must consider this appalling neglect.

“Spiralling rents, welfare cuts, a total lack of social housing and private sector investment make for a housing lottery. The Homelessness Reduction Act should mean local authorities do more to prevent people falling into homelessness with a bold pledge to end rough sleeping by 2027.”