Taking Richmond council’s claim that it has halved homelessness at face value, it is good to know that attention is being given to reducing homelessness in the borough.
However, by not including people in temporary accommodation such as hostels, the council’s figures are misleading in my view.
Issues such as intentional and unintentional homelessness often come down to a subjective judgment by council officials.
I do hope that other councils will emulate the success of Richmond council, but care must also be taken to ensure Richmond maintains proper standards and doesn’t ignore other pressing issues, such as provision of affordable housing.
The 2010 decent homes deadline means councils must make headway faster on all such issues.
Adetayo Adebesin, Comment via Housing Today website
Source
Housing Today
