We’ll be judged on how we treat our most vulnerable

BEING a naturally optimistic individual, I often write about the potential of our region and the legacy we will leave behind for our future generations.

Last week, however, the statistics around the rise in homelessness bring to light a stark truth. If we do not address this visibly heartwrenching issue, our legacy will be one where we left our most vulnerable behind.

From the outset, I would like to make it clear, I don't believe this to be a political issue. Given the scale of the problem and the horrific human impact, I don't believe politicising homelessness achieves anything.

Furthermore, politicising homelessness makes the issue too simplistic and hinders true progress. If you speak to experts, a lack of beds or a lack of access to food is no longer the major issue.

The people of the West Midlands demonstrate immense generosity across all communities to feed and house the homeless.

This is also true for our leadership across the region.

While commissioning services for the homeless is the remit of local councils, it is clear some solutions can only be delivered on a regionwide basis.

Our mayor, Andy Street, has already secured £9.6 million for the first Housing First Pilot in the country. Based on a Finnish model which has all but eradicated homelessness in Helsinki, the scheme is looking to achieve the same outcomes here in the West Midlands. In his typical cross-party working style, Andy was also responsible for the Change into Action Campaign in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, social landlords and charities like SIFA Fireside and St Basil's.

This scheme creates a single fund allowing those that want to donate, to do exactly that, and many sociallyconscious businesses are lending their support.

They do so safe in the knowledge that the funds are going to those places where they are needed most.

I can only commend the collaboration between our political leaders at Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands' Combined Authority.

But here is the kicker. More needs to be done. This issue is more complex than just more beds, more shelters and more food.

Often those that are rough sleeping need emotional and mental support and are not able to sleep in communal shelters. They require specialist care to help them reintegrate into society whether that means getting specific mental health support or being weaned off drug dependencies.

Ultimately, it is a question of resource.

And while our public bodies have limited resource, it seems it is the goodwill of private individuals and organisations that will make the difference.

Participating in last year's St Basil's sleep-out with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce team and other major organisations and having raised over £20,000 in a single night, I am confident that the business community wants to play its role in eradicating homelessness.

I am a believer that society will be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Let our legacy be how we came together to eradicate the scandal of homelessness – not how we walked on by.

Saqib Bhatti is president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of

Commerce

This issue is more complex than just more beds, more shelters and more food