Homelessness remains an incredibly complex issue and we must all work together to try and tackle it. That's why I set up the Homelessness Taskforce, to put forward a plan to add value to the work the region is already doing to address the problem.
Homelessness is often the result of complex personal and structural issues, and that is why the approach will be to look at how to design out homelessness and include homelessness prevention as part of any new West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) programme, by looking at the experiences of those who find themselves homeless.
There are seven parts of designing out homelessness:
- Truly affordable housing
- Lobbying for changes to Universal Credit, local housing allowances and private rented standards
- Continue to support the delivery of Housing First
- Supporting Council's in helping with rough sleeping
- Work with public services to include homeless prevention, and landlords to encourage the ambition of avoiding homelessness
- Promote businesses' effort of supporting homeless prevention and job opportunities
- Provide ring-fenced financial support for projects
Working together and through this Taskforce, I believe we can start to make a breakthrough, reverse this trend and help those who need it most.