Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council says local families are now spending less than six weeks in emergency bed and breakfast accommodation, marking a change in how homelessness is being managed across the area.
The council confirmed that over the past year no local family has remained in emergency accommodation beyond the six week limit. It says the approach is part of wider work to prevent homelessness and reduce the disruption caused to children and parents when families are placed in short term housing.
The focus has been on earlier intervention, with support offered before households reach crisis point. Over the last year, the council’s Early Prevention team has worked with around one thousand five hundred households. This has included practical help such as negotiating with landlords, offering financial advice and supporting people to remain in their existing homes where possible.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said the progress showed the importance of helping families find stability when they need it most, while recognising that further work is needed.
A consultation on the council’s homelessness strategy is currently open on its Have Your Say pages, allowing residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to comment on future plans.
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