Council’s focus on preventing homelessness leads to positive outcomes

Published 01 September 2025

The Council’s focus on preventing homelessness has led to a range of positive outcomes for citizens.

The Home at the Heart rapid rehousing initiative has been running for the last six years and has led to fewer people becoming homeless than three years ago.

During 2024/25, homelessness was prevented in 72% of cases – an increase of 20% from 2021/22.

The length of time households experiencing homelessness spent in temporary accommodation has also reduced from 19 weeks in 2020/21 to 16 weeks in 2024/25, in line with the six-year target of the strategy.

In addition, eight Housing First tenancies for tenants with complex needs were created and the service received a very positive Care Inspectorate rating.

The Council’s new Housing Solutions Strategy More than a Roof will further build on the achievements of Home at Heart with a continued focus on preventing homelessness.

More than a Roof focuses on key priorities which include quality advice and information being readily available to people at risk of homelessness. It also involves rapid rehousing for those affected by homelessness, support services being in place to prevent homelessness and joined-up working with partners to provide quality temporary accommodation where required.

The strategy, which will run until 2028, and has been developed following extensive consultation with people who have lived experience of homelessness, staff working in the homeless service and key partners and stakeholders.

Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, said: “It is reassuring to hear that there are now fewer people experiencing homelessness than there were three years ago. This is a positive result for tenants and is evidence that the Council’s focus on preventing homelessness is working.

“Despite the ongoing demand for services under challenging circumstances, our Homelessness and Housing Options Team is consistently improving on its key targets year on year.

“Work will continue to build on this and work towards even more positive outcomes for our citizens.”

Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Hazel Sorrell, added: “A stable home is an important part of life and I want to thank the housing staff who have worked so hard to achieve these outcomes for those at risk of homelessness.”