It’s a sobering thought that most working people are no more than three or four pay-packets away from being homeless. That is one of the reasons why Gwynedd Council is developing a new homelessness strategy with the aim of reducing the number of homeless people in the county.
People can often become homeless because of no fault of their own, and they can suddenly become isolated and require urgent help to find suitable accommodation and assistance. Gwynedd Council’s new homelessness strategy for 2010-13 will give clear direction for addressing these issues, and ensure that the support is available as soon as possible.
Councillor John Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Care said:
“Homelessness can often be linked to a range of social disadvantages, it is therefore essential that we work together with key partners so that we can intervene, assist people to address these fundamental problems and help break the cycle of deprivation.
“The draft homelessness strategy sets out the importance of a close working relationship between key public agencies, health services, the private sector, housing associations and homeless people so that we can prevent homelessness and alleviate it where it cannot be avoided.
“It is essential that we hear the views of Gwynedd residents and other interested groups. A draft strategy has been prepared which will act as the basis for a county-wide consultation which is open until 29 March 2010.”
Since the Council published its first Homelessness Strategy in 2003, more people own their own homes, however rents and house prices and have also risen and the current economic climate has had an impact on people’s ability to pay the rent or make mortgage repayments.
The new draft strategy will see Gwynedd Council develop an action plan which will set out how it will work with other public, voluntary and private agencies, and homeless people themselves to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to deliver independent living and sustainable housing across the county.
Gwynedd Council Housing Portfolio Leader, Councillor Trefor Edwards added:
“There has been a great deal of improvement in this important field in recent years, with a reduction in the numbers of people presenting themselves as homeless in Gwynedd. However, the fact remains that the Council considered more than 560 applications from people presenting themselves as homeless during 2008/09.
“It therefore remains a vitally important field of work for the Council. Everyone is entitled to feel safe in their own home, which is why we as a Council are determined that our new homelessness strategy for the next three years will concentrate on increasing enhancing early intervention services so that people can access the help they need before its too late.”
The Council is urging those interested to present their comments on the Homelessness Draft Strategy 2010 – 2013. Views and comments can be made until Monday, 29 March 2010.
For copies of the draft strategy visit the Council website: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/consultation or contact Gwynedd Council’s Housing Strategic Service on email: [email protected] or call 01286 679065.
