Sets out the government's strategy for tackling and reducing homelessness. Outlines the context of homelessness. Explains that the government aims to reduce homelessness by offering a greater range of preventative measures and increasing access to settled homes. Indicates that the aim is to halve the number of people living in temporary accommodation by 2010. Notes that in delivering the strategy the government will: provide support for what works based on an evaluation of new initiatives; consider changes to homelessness legislation to improve the provision and take-up of preventative services and housing options; provide better services in hostels via a £90 million capital improvement programme; increase the supply of new social housing by 50% and make better use of existing social and private rented stock to provide settled homes; develop area based initiatives; support and work in partnership with local authorities, voluntary sector agencies, landlords, homelessness service users and others; and improve information about homelessness to support more effective solutions.

Department for Communities and Local Government, tel. +44 (0) 20 7944 4400

01/03/2005

policy

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Homelessness