Dorset Council has reported major progress in reducing homelessness following targeted investment in housing services and prevention schemes.
The number of households in temporary accommodation has fallen from a peak of nearly 400 two years ago to 180 today. This reduction of more than 50 per cent contrasts with a national increase of around 25 per cent. The council has also said that the use of bed and breakfast hotels for families has been almost completely eradicated.
A key factor in the improvement has been the creation of an early intervention team, focusing on residents at risk of losing their homes before they reach crisis point. Officials say this proactive approach has allowed more people to receive help earlier and reduced reliance on temporary housing.
The Key4Me scheme, which offers an enhanced support package for landlords, has been highlighted as one of the most effective initiatives. Earlier this summer, the scheme reached a milestone of 100 households who were either at risk of homelessness or already in temporary accommodation being rehoused.
As a result of this work, Dorset’s homelessness prevention rate has risen to 80 per cent. This compares with 54.5 per cent across councils in the South West and 51.4 per cent nationally, according to figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Work is also continuing to support rough sleepers. The autumn 2024 count recorded 15 people sleeping rough in Dorset, unchanged from the previous year. Nationally, rough sleeping rose by 20 per cent over the same period.
Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet lead for Housing, Health and Community Safety, said the success was down to close partnership working. She praised the contributions of charities including Shelter, Julian House, the Lantern and Bus Shelter Dorset, as well as private landlords who have provided homes.
She added that two new accommodation schemes funded by the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme have created 11 more units for rough sleepers. Looking ahead, the council is working with registered providers, making use of its own assets and exploring leasing schemes to expand housing supply over the next three years.
