A government minister has praised Southwark Council for its work on homelessness prevention.
The council shared its knowledge on preventing homelessness at two all-party parliamentary groups (APPGs) last week.
It also met to discuss the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act and launched the APPG for Ending Homelessness’ second annual report, ‘Rapidly responding to homelessness’.
Speaking at the launch of the report, acting housing and homelessness minister Nigel Adams MP gave his latest update on the Government’s plans for homelessness and rough sleeping, as well as his views on the recent implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act and how best councils can carry out their homelessness duties.
Praising the council at the meeting, he said: “It is a real pleasure to see the work that Southwark Council has done to implement the new Act.
“It is really impressive to see everyone working together to prevent homelessness.
“I hope that you [Southwark Council] don’t mind other councils coming down to yours to learn about the work you are doing.”
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Following on from its first year report on prevention, the APPG for Ending Homelessness’ second inquiry focused on rapid responses to homelessness.
It looked at how to resolve homelessness quickly for migrants and young people in particular, and it considered how rapid rehousing models can be used as an effective approach towards resolving homelessness quickly.
The report – a culmination of a year’s research and consultation with sector experts and people with lived experience – also gave the Government recommendations for action.
Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Southwark’s cabinet member for housing and modernisation, said: “I am thrilled that our great work has been recognised right up to the top, but we have a long road ahead.
“The issue of homelessness and rough sleeping isn’t going away – it’s increasing, and we need to continue to meet that demand head on.
“I will continue to call for action from the Government to give councils the appropriate, long-term and secure funding we need to prevent homelessness for many years to come.
“It makes a huge difference to the lives of people facing the toughest situations and I hope we can support our residents by being their voice in this way.”