Working to help residents remain independent in their own homes and preventing homelessness are a fundamental part of the Council’s approach to helping local people and is a key indicator on the Public Health Outcomes Framework. In addition, helping people remain independent helps to mitigate pressures on the more intensive and costly services provided by Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Health.
The Housing Related Support services provided or commissioned by the council support 3,500 households and each month hundreds of households at risk of homelessness seek advice and assistance from our Housing Options Team or agencies working in partnership with us. It has been calculated that every £1 spent on support services saves an additional £4.10 across the public sector.
Although homelessness has decreased over the last three years by 15%, it is still 14% above the figure in 2009/10 when homelessness was at its lowest level. The most common reasons for homelessness are eviction by parents, family or friends (14%) and loss of private rented accommodation (22%[1]). Whilst a smaller proportion of our homelessness relates to people with children and young people than the national average, we have a much higher proportion of our homelessness comprised of those with mental health problems, physical disabilities and who are pregnant.
The city has a large proportion of people aged 85 and over (2.6% of the city’s population compared to 2.1% in the UK) and projections to 2035 suggest this population will increase more than two thirds to 3.6%.[2] This will increase the need for housing, support and care and we are actively looking to increase the supply of extra care housing and other accommodation to maintain resident’s quality of life and reduce the need for institutional care.
[1] Percentage excludes rent arrears. Including rent arrears percentage increases to 25%
[2] Office of National Statistics 2010 Subnational Population Projections