Council takes action to strengthen housing services to support people facing homelessness

The roles will play a key part in providing advice and support for residents at risk of homelessness, helping them to stay in their own homes, get new accommodation and avoid rough sleeping. By expanding its resources, the Council aims to reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation and prioritise securing more sustainable, long-term housing solutions that are better for the families and individuals. 

Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care, said:

“We are aware of the very real housing challenges currently facing many of our residents, and unfortunately we are seeing rising numbers of people struggling to stay in their homes, particularly due to financial strain. 

“We recognise  the need for swift action, so, are boosting our resource to this area to make sure that we can continue to provide timely support to vulnerable residents. Not only this, but these officers will also help prevent the impact on other services which will ultimately deliver a more cost-effective service. 

“Whilst the challenges are significant, we are committed to responding to them head-on, putting our residents first and delivering a high-quality service, so that all residents have access to safe and secure housing.” 

In recent years, the demand for housing services has risen, with the impact of the Covid pandemic and the increasing cost of living leaving more and more households struggling to secure permanent accommodation.  

The Council’s Housing Team is currently managing high caseloads, and the additional officers will enable better support for those in emergency accommodation. Recruiting permanent staff will also reduce the need for costly agency contracts and provide greater continuity and expertise within the Council’s housing service. 

Temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, that the Council has to use in some cases, costs around £315 per person, per week. By increasing the team’s capacity, the Council aims to reduce these costs by helping people find better accommodation, sooner. The Council is also working to secure more temporary accommodation to help those who find themselves without a home, giving them somewhere to live while they get back into permanent accommodation. 

The Council remains committed to providing a fair and accessible housing service, supporting residents through difficult times, and working towards lasting solutions to West Oxfordshire’s housing challenges.