Dorset Council has announced that a new Housing Strategy has been approved by its members, further complimenting other housing and homelessness work.
Through extensive research and analysis of issues plaguing housing both regionally and nationally, the strategy was shaped to build upon previous successful work in Dorset. The council has also stated that the strategy is a ‘living document’ that will ensure adaptability so that emerging challenges can be addressed.
Alongside the research, engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and a 10-week public consultation were also able to help make the strategy effective.
Councillor Jane Somper, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said:
“This is a positive and outward-looking strategy which will be supported by a strong delivery plan.
“Due to the complexities of housing, we are encouraging open and frank debate and are listening to different approaches and views.
“The strategy has ignited cross-party debate as there is a desire from all members to support our vision of affordable, suitable, secure homes where our residents can live and thrive as part of sustainable and thriving communities,
“It builds on our existing strategies and reflects Dorset Council as an ambitious, enabling housing authority. It is an optimistic and broad, evolving document, not only because it’s about the people of Dorset but also recognises the varied and ongoing challenges and changes that require us to be nimble, empathetic, and effective.
“We must be bold and forthright in our thinking, and recognise we must do this collaboratively, by listening to members, our partners and residents.”
Whilst improving housing is important, homelessness and rough sleeping are becoming increasingly problematic for councils and communities across the country. In order to help tackle this, the council have been allocated more than £1 million of government investment.
Coming from the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme, the funding will be used to expand an existing project in Weymouth, as well as creating a new Complex Women’s unit. The first project will see five self-contained modular homes being created for homeless people who have been supported and are ready to live independently.
Established in 2021, the Bus Shelter Project will provide people with a safe place to sleep, as well as access to a communal living and kitchen area.
The new women’s unit will use £781,000 of the allocated investment to support accommodation and services for women whose needs are complex and who are required to live in a female-only space. This comes after research from the council established that some women are rough sleeping, putting themselves at risk by ‘sofa surfing’ or living in abusive relationships to avoid sleeping on the streets.
Cabinet Leader for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, commented:
“We have seen the number of people we have helped avoid homelessness rise by 43% since last year. We’re still working hard to improve this figure, through outreach work and bolstering support services as well as finding sites for more accommodation.
“The council are contributing around £539,000 to purchase accommodation for the Bus Shelter and the Women's Unit, taking the total investment in the schemes to over £1.6 million.”
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