New bid to combat homelessness in Mid Sussex

A new homelessness strategy for Mid Sussex has been announced.
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This week, Mid Sussex District Council said it had produced the new strategy to prevent homelessness and help homeless people find long-term affordable and sustainable housing.

It was presented to the council’s scrutiny committee for housing, planning and economic development on January 22.

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At the meeting, committee members recommended that the strategy be formally adopted by Full Council on April 1.

A new homelessness strategy for Mid Sussex has been announcedA new homelessness strategy for Mid Sussex has been announced
A new homelessness strategy for Mid Sussex has been announced

The strategy identifies five key priorities for addressing homelessness within Mid Sussex; preventing and relieving homelessness; minimise the use of and improve temporary accommodation; prevent recurring homelessness; tackling rough sleeping and homelessness among vulnerable groups and enable access to suitable and affordable accommodation,

The district council requires all new residential development over 11 units to provide 30 per cent affordable housing. Last year, the council said it oversaw the delivery of 102 new affordable houses.

Councillor Andrew MacNaughton, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Homelessness, in all its forms, can have a significantly detrimental impact on people and their families.

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“Health and wellbeing suffers, there’s a detrimental impact on educational achievement and homelessness can act as a barrier for those seeking and keeping employment.

“Our Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy will help to ensure that fewer people in Mid Sussex experience the trauma of homelessness and that those who do can find a settled home as quickly as possible.”

For more information, contact the Mid Sussex Housing Needs team on 01444 477574 or email [email protected].