Council team in running for national award

The Council’s Housing Service is in the running to win a prestigious national award after dramatically reducing homelessness in West Dunbartonshire in recent years.

The team is a finalist in the "Best Housing and Regeneration Initiative" category of the forthcoming Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), and was nominated for its Ending Homelessness in West Dunbartonshire strategic initiative.

Ending Homelessness in West Dunbartonshire was introduced to tackle the high levels of homelessness in the area. In 2007/8, one in twenty West Dunbartonshire households presented as homeless, which gave the area the highest homelessness rate in Scotland.

The Council initiative has had a significant impact on homelessness within West Dunbartonshire, with successes including:

• A 36% reduction in the number of households presenting as homeless
• A 41% reduction in youth homelessness
• West Dunbartonshire becoming one of the first local authorities to deliver on the Scottish Government Homelessness target -  two years ahead of schedule
• Increased levels of homelessness prevention
• Improved wider perceptions of homelessness

Councillor David McBride, West Dunbartonshire Council's Convener for Housing, Environmental Services and Economic Development, said:  "The Ending Homelessness in West Dunbartonshire initiative has had a remarkable effect on homelessness in the area, and I am delighted that those involved have been given the recognition they deserve. The APSE awards have attracted 360 entries from over 135 organisations across the UK, so being shortlisted is a major achievement for the team. I am crossing my fingers for a win next month."

The winners will be announced at the APSE Service Awards Ceremony in Glasgow on 13^th September.