Spelthorne Council Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Homelessness Strategy

A local authority in Surrey is soliciting feedback from its residents regarding a proposed strategy designed to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. Spelthorne Borough Council is legally mandated to issue an updated housing, homelessness, and rough sleeping strategy every five years. The council reported that approximately five individuals were experiencing rough sleeping in Spelthorne concurrently, though this figure varied. Furthermore, it indicated that over 235 households were presently housed in bed and breakfast facilities or temporary lodging, with approximately one-fifth of these placements being outside the borough’s boundaries. The council’s housing options team manages an active caseload exceeding 460 households, with families constituting two-thirds of this total, it further stated. A spokesperson commented: “We want to ensure all Spelthorne residents have their own roof over their heads at night and this draft strategy is designed to tackle this challenge.” Input is requested concerning three principal priorities detailed in the proposed strategy for the period 2025 to 2030: collaborative efforts to combat homelessness; pinpointing avenues to meet housing requirements; and implementing proactive prevention measures. Councillor Susan Doran, who chairs the community wellbeing committee, stated: “We have taken steps to reduce and prevent homelessness in Spelthorne, including opening two homeless facilities in the borough.” The council indicated that the strategy was developed by a joint housing, homelessness, and rough sleeping working group, following consultations with stakeholders and service users. The period for public consultation will conclude on Sunday, January 19.