A STAGGERING rise in homelessness has inspired Rugby Borough Councillors to set up a special task force.
The number of people sleeping rough in Rugby has rocketed by almost 80 per cent in two years – from just over 100 in 2013 to 179 in 2015 – and the council says the rise is likely to continue when official statistics reveal this year’s level.
Five councillors have decided to take action by setting up the Homelessness Scrutiny Sub-Group and discussing tactics to deal with the problem.
They highlighted the main issues facing the town, including a large number of people losing their private sector accommodation due to mental health issues or substance misuse.
A combination of high costs for accommodation, relatively low salaries and a limited supply of affordable housing has also contributed to the increase.
The council’s communities and homes spokeswoman Coun Leigh Hunt said: “Homelessness remains a key priority for the council and we work with a number of partners, including Rugby Homelessness Forum and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
“In addition to fulfilling our statutory duties to the homeless, the council has taken a proactive approach to helping residents at risk of homelessness stay in their home, whether council-owned or private.
“We continue to explore ways in which we can help to alleviate homelessness, and especially to support people so they do not become homeless in the first place. The scrutiny sub-group can play an important role in this work going forward.”
The council has recently launched the Tenancy Ready training course to help prepare young people moving into council housing, and the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, working with private landlords to increase the housing options available to the homeless.
The sub-group – comprising Councillors Belinda Garcia, Claire Edwards, Noreen New, Jerry Roodhouse and Neil Sandison – will collaborate with homeless shelter charity Hope4 and other voluntary and charity organisations to re-home Rugby residents.
