WESTMORLAND and Furness Council has agreed a new five-year strategy for homelessness and rough sleeping.

At a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, a new plan, which sets out how the council will work with partners and take action to support those in need, was approved.

On Tuesday April 30, members passed a strategy for 2024-2029 to ensure people experiencing homelessness are supported to access accommodation.

The council outlined an approach to the prevention and relief of homelessness and rough sleeping, identifying key objectives, and including an action plan showing the steps that will be taken to achieve them.

The development of a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the provision of advice and support to prevent and relieve homelessness is a statutory duty under the Homelessness Act 2002.

The strategy also sets out the council’s approach to supporting victims of domestic abuse presenting as homeless, with the provision of support in safe accommodation for people escaping domestic abuse being a requirement under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Both nationally and within Westmorland and Furness, presentations of homelessness are increasing as the demand for affordable accommodation outstrips supply. The council’s strategy identifies the current position with a view to working with partners to ensure an adequate supply of interim and settled accommodation is available.