Council set to improve standards for families who find themselves homeless in the city.

City leaders are set to approve plans that will help improve standards for families who find themselves homeless across Stoke-on-Trent.

The plans will give accommodation providers the chance to bid to join a supplier’s bank and will be an alternative to local hotel provision.  

The city council currently uses a combination of local hotels and its own homeless units but demand for accommodation has increased significantly over the last 12 months, in line with rises seen across the country.  

This means that other options are required, particularly those that are more suitable for families and children. Nightly paid accommodation is self-contained or shared accommodation offered by specialist landlords and will offer value for money and improve the experience of people who need temporary accommodation.  

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning said: “Everyone deserves affordable, safe, decent housing and, unfortunately, homelessness applications are rising nationally and it’s really important that we make sure that our arrangements can meet the demand. 

“These plans will help to tackle inadequate housing which we know contributes to poor health outcomes for vulnerable residents by providing decent, suitable temporary accommodation for homeless households, particularly families with children. It will also help end the reliance on hotels and B&Bs, taking the pressure off businesses like The Crown and The George hotels.” 

The plans come as the city council is set to launch a homelessness and rough sleeping review to inform its strategy on preventing and reducing homelessness and provide support to those affected by it. The strategy will build on existing positive work including: 

• The launch of a new Homelessness Hub 
• The creation of 74 new bed spaces through various rough sleeping programmes 
• The implementation of the Changing Futures programme for people with complex needs 
• A range of new measures to improve access to the private-rented sector 
• The introduction of a Pre-Eviction Protocol within supported housing providers 
• The commission of the new Homeless Healthcare Service 
• The recruitment of several new specialist members of staff 
• The award of around £20 million of funding for new rough sleeping initiatives 

The consultation is due to launch later this month. 

Anyone who is at risk of homelessness is entitled to free advice from the city council. Visit www.stoke.gov.uk/homelessoratrisk or call 01782 233696 for advice on how to avoid losing your current home or help to secure alternative accommodation.