Introduction

The Homelessness Act 2002 introduced the requirement for local authorities to formulate and publish a Homelessness Strategy every five years based on the results of a Homelessness Review. Our first Homelessness Strategy was published in 2003, and this confirmed a shift in focus towards working to prevent homelessness and to provide support with a view to tenancy sustainment, rather than concentrating on the assessment process.

Considerable progress has been made in the intervening period in tackling the problem of homelessness.  Our 2003 review anticipated that in the lifetime of the strategy, from 2003-2008, approximately 6000 households would be accepted as homeless in London Borough of Waltham Forest. Three years on, acceptances are falling steadily: 1025 in 2003-4, 800 in 2004-5, 769 in 2005-6 and just 696 in 2006-7. This is a testament to the success of our new strategic approach to dealing with homelessness, focussing on prevention, advice and options rather than operating as gatekeepers.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has said of this borough:

“The council’s strategic approach to homelessness is an area of strength for the Council and there is strong evidence that it acts as a ‘live’ strategy for both the council and its stakeholders”

Local authorities have a statutory duty to publish a Homelessness Strategy every five years, but Waltham Forest has decided to produce a new strategy just four years after the first one, in order that we can reflect changing priorities and work towards current national, regional and local objectives.

The principal aims of the strategy are:

  • To prevent homelessness wherever possible
  • To develop and promote alternative housing options
  • To maintain and develop partnerships
  • To promote tenancy sustainment
  • To maximise the existing supply of social housing
  • To increase the supply of settled accommodation
  • To provide support for vulnerable groups

This document outlines the way we intend to address these issues. In addition, we will be producing an action plan covering detailed targets subject to quarterly and annual review.

Getting copies of the strategy

Copies of the strategy document and action plans can be downloaded by clicking on the link below

You can also contact Bethan Webster by email for a hard copy of the Homelessness Strategy 2007-2012.