In the news: Basildon Council unveils Homelessness Strategy for 2025-2030

Basildon Council's Cabinet has approved the Homelessness Strategy for 2025-2030, a comprehensive plan designed to address the urgent challenges of increasing access to quality temporary accommodation, reducing associated costs, and minimising the length of time families spend in such housing.

The strategy is built on five key principles: enhancing the availability of temporary accommodation, preventing homelessness by utilising existing data, shortening the duration families remain in temporary housing, reducing its costs, and equipping residents at risk with self-help resources and information.

Developed in collaboration with residents and partners, this strategy outlines the council's commitment to tackling homelessness in the borough.

Cllr Adele Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing & Infrastructure, commented: "Homelessness has been rising nationally, contributing to higher costs and longer stays in temporary accommodation. Currently, temporary housing makes up 10% of the council's revenue budget, with costs projected to exceed £3 million this year alone. This strategy is essential to achieving our goal of reducing homelessness.

"We aim to reduce our reliance on costly Bed & Breakfast placements, expand our temporary accommodation offerings, and improve access to private sector housing.

"Crucially, it will also reduce the disruption caused by extended stays in temporary housing, benefiting the education, employment, and relationships of affected families, and ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life."

In addition to these efforts, the council is exploring a range of innovative solutions, including:

• Repurposing underutilised or unsuitable housing assets and converting existing properties into permanent housing options.
• Expanding and maintaining a local pool of affordable temporary accommodation units to lessen dependency on external providers.
• Providing individuals at risk of homelessness with self-help tools and guidance to help prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies.
• Building strong relationships with Basildon landlords to highlight the benefits of partnering with the council.

The council also continues to operate a dedicated outreach team, focused on engaging with and supporting street homeless individuals to effectively manage and reduce street homelessness within the borough.

Ends

Published 23 May 2025