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Islanders Invited To Have Say On Draft Plans To Combat Homelessness

The Isle of Wight is currently in the midst of a housing crisis - that's the message from the IW Council.

A recent analysis highlighted an 82 per cent reduction in the number of private properties available to rent on the Island.

Now is your chance to have your say on how the council plans to prevent and relieve homelessness over the next three years with the launch today (Tuesday) of a public consultation.

In 2019, the council launched its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy with a bold ambition to end homelessness on the Island.

Working closely with partners, the council has now developed a new delivery plan for 2022-2024 — a document outlining actions to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping on the Island, focusing on prevention, intervention and recovery.

Proposals include:

  • Supporting those in temporary accommodation and rough sleeping to enable faster identification of suitable private rented and social housing options;
  • Working with landlords and housing providers to maximise the range of affordable and sustainable accommodation available for those who are or become homeless;
  • assisting households within social homes to RightSize to homes that better meet their needs to address under occupation and overcrowding;
  • using all available powers to being empty properties back into use.

The council is encouraging people to have their say on the aims, principles and actions of the delivery plan by taking part in a public consultation which runs until Wednesday, 23 March 2022.

Full details can be found on the council's website here.

Cllr Ian Stephens, deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing needs, said:

"By taking part in this consultation you can help to inform us of potential changes that may be required to ensure we are able to combat homelessness and rough sleeping well into the future."

A Cabinet paper on the homelessness strategy and delivery plan is due to go before councillors in the summer. 

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