New plans to help prevent homelessness and eliminate rough sleeping have been drawn up by Bath & North East Somerset Council, with face-to-face help available in Midsomer Norton.

The five-year Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy includes innovative ways to prevent and reduce homelessness through working in partnership with a range of organisations from the NHS to private landlords.

The draft strategy, which has recently been consulted on with the Homelessness Partnership, will be discussed by cabinet on Thursday 7 November. Comments are being looked at for consideration by cabinet in December.

The strategy is based on preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable households, reducing rough sleeping and increasing accommodation options

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: "We aim to end rough sleeping and homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset, but it's a huge challenge. There are many complex reasons why people become homeless, and we need to work to prevent these underlying causes. We also need tackle the shortage of affordable housing and the lack of private rented accommodation affordable to people on welfare benefits. This strategy aims to do just that."

The latest statutory count carried out in November 2018 revealed there were 20 rough sleepers in B&NES. Currently there are 30 homeless households in temporary accommodation across the district.

The new strategy aims to reduce these numbers by increasing access to the private rented sector, encouraging landlords and estate/letting agents to work with the council, improving the Temporary Accommodation offer and reducing the duration of all stays, particularly in B&Bs.

People seeking help will get help moving on to long term housing more quickly and the council intends to reduce of out of area B&B placements. There will be fewer evictions and more help for rough sleepers.

Over the past twelve months the council has received funding through the Government's Rough Sleeping Initiative to provide additional services for people who are homeless in addition to those already provided by the authority and voluntary agencies.

These new services include: Safesleep, 20 additional beds for singles and couples during the winter, Housing First, permanent accommodation for people with complex needs, A dedicated mental health worker placed within the outreach team, a rapid response service to move individuals off the street and reconnect with services and accommodation outside the Bath & North East Somerset area

Bath & North East Somerset's Housing Options team offer confidential advice for people at risk of becoming homeless at the council's One Stop Shop at The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, Somerset, BA3 2DP.

For more information visit: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/housing/find-home/housing-advice