Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy - Boston

Lincolnshire Homelessness
Strategy

2012 – 2016

Contents

Foreword...............................................................................................2

Executive Summary..............................................................................3 - 4

1 Introduction..................................................................................5 - 7
2 National Strategic context............................................................8 - 9
3 Countywide Strategic context......................................................10
4 Legal Framework.........................................................................11
5 Homelessness in Lincolnshire.....................................................12 - 16
6 Our priorities................................................................................17 - 18

Prevention....................................................................................19 - 26
Partnership Working....................................................................27 - 30
Welfare and Policy Reform..........................................................31 - 34
Young People...............................................................................35 - 36
Rough Sleeping...........................................................................37 - 39
Move On......................................................................................40
7 Resources and funding................................................................41
8 Monitoring of the strategy.............................................................42
9 Glossary of terms.........................................................................43 - 44
10 Useful Links and References.......................................................45
11 Action Plan...................................................................................46

1 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Foreword

On behalf of the Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy Group (LHSG), I am proud
to present Lincolnshire’s third Homelessness Strategy 2012 – 2016; a strategy
that will support homeless households and those at risk of homelessness in
Lincolnshire through a changing policy environment, and challenging economic
climate.
The LHSG is a strategic partnership between the seven Lincolnshire housing
authorities, Lincolnshire County Council, and a range of support providers and
voluntary agencies.
A considerable amount has been achieved to prevent homelessness throughout
the life of the Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 2008 – 2012 and successes
can be attributed to a proactive approach to homelessness prevention.
The third Homelessness Strategy will continue to build on the successes of the
2008 -12 strategy and develop further initiatives to improve the lives of those at
risk of, or affected by homelessness across Lincolnshire.
The strategy action plan also contains additional actions to prevent and tackle
non priority homelessness and rough sleeping. This has been made possible
through dCLG grant funding for the Sub Region of Lincolnshire and Rutland.
Lincolnshire is pleased to welcome Rutland into its partnership to work with us to
effectively meet the needs of homeless and vulnerable people.

Michelle Howard
Home Choices Team Manager
West Lindsey District Council
Chair of Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy Group

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 2

Executive Summary

“Homelessness is not just a problem of diverse range of customer’s needs and
scale. It’s also a problem of complexity – homelessness demands.
no two people lose their home for the same
reason. They all have different life stories… Historically, cross authority partnership working
For some it’s a dramatic change like losing across two tier authorities has proved difficult to
a job, or leaving the armed service. For achieve in most areas. However the seven local
others, it is a problem with drugs or alcohol. authorities in Lincolnshire have a strong track
In some cases, it is family breakdown or record of working collectively, together with
mental illness. For many, it’s a combination other agencies and service users through the
of all of these.” well established Lincolnshire Homelessness
Strategy Group (LHSG) to tackle and prevent
HM Government: No Second Night Out Nationwide homelessness in a coordinated way, proactively
(2011) addressing homelessness issues and develop-
ing new initiatives. Lincolnshire has developed
In line with the national picture, homelessness its Homelessness Strategy 2012 – 2016,
in Lincolnshire is increasing. Increased through a strong partnership between all it’s
unemployment and a potential rise in partner agencies.
repossessions, combined with higher levels of
personal debt will lead to many more people in The strong foundation and innovative partnership
our area becoming at risk of losing their home. in Lincolnshire has been recognised as an
Compounded by welfare reform and policy example of best practice and continues to strive
change, limited supply of social housing and for development and improvement.
limited development of affordable housing,
there has never been more need to work as a The Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 2012 –
partnership in Lincolnshire. 2016 is a framework for all seven Lincolnshire
authorities, to deliver in partnership with our
The complexity of homelessness requires stakeholder’s, our priorities to prevent and
innovative partnership working - sharing skills, tackle homelessness during a changing policy
expertise and supporting one another - to prevent environment and challenging economic climate.
and tackle homelessness for each person in Aligned with national and regional priorities, this
need of our services. document sets out our key priorities to ensure
sufficient access and support to those at risk of
Lincolnshire is the 4th largest county in England homelessness across our county.
and the 4th most sparsely populated. A county of
contrasts with diverse landscapes covering The LHSG strives to develop and maintain the
coastal, rural and urban areas. Lincolnshire has strategic aims developed for Lincolnshire’s
concentrations of population around the city of Homelessness Strategy 2008 – 2012; to continue:
Lincoln and market towns. Rural and coastal
areas present particular challenges with the • To prevent homelessness through early
coastal area characterised by high concentrations intervention and targeted prevention.
of deprivation and high levels of low paid
seasonal work, while rural areas have low • To increase access to good quality suitable
population density areas, poor road networks accommodation;
and transport infrastructure coupled with social
isolation. Lincolnshire housing authorities • To offer support where homelessness has
differ in terms of their stock holding positions, already occurred.

However homelessness remains a complex
issue; compounded also by a time of austerity
and economic challenge.

3 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Building on Achievements So Far • Successful recession awareness campaign
carried out and 55 households prevented
The 2008 – 2012 Homelessness Strategy Action from becoming homeless through the
Plan has been successful in bringing together Government Mortgage Rescue Scheme
partner agencies to tackle and prevent home-
lessness across Lincolnshire. Achievements • Continued investment in practitioners’ personal
through the strategy include: and professional development

• Actively engaging in partnership working • dCLG grant funding of £70,000 CLG grant

with our providers, at county and district received to tackle youth homelessness

level. District forums are run across the across Lincolnshire. This was used to fund a

county, and are well attended by partner youth housing coordinator for 12 months.

agencies The remainder of the funding contributed

• Increased focus on and commitment to towards the Zest Theatre Tour Until its Gone
homelessness prevention across Lincolnshire for 2011 and 2012

• Actively engaging with regional homeless • dCLG grant funding of £50,000 (across the
ness issues across the East Midlands has Lincolnshire – Rutland sub region) received
been valuable for awareness of regional to tackle rough sleeping. The Lincolnshire
context and to share ideas and best practice and Rutland Authorities adopted a single
approach, and commissioned a partner agency
• Positive relationships developed with key
to tackle rough sleeping across the sub region.
agencies including Homes and Communities
This approach has been acknowledged by
Agency (HCA), Department for Communities
dCLG and Homeless Link as Best Practice
and Local Government (dCLG), Homeless
Link and National Treatment Agency • dCLG grant funding of £15,000 received
(NTA);supporting and raising the profile of specifically to train and develop knowledge
Lincolnshire of housing and children’s services officers on
legal responsibilities for supporting and
• Emergency ‘Nightstop’ schemes successfully
accommodating 16/17 year olds at risk of
developed in South Holland and East Lindsey
homelessness. Subsequent good practice

• Better understanding of needs, and of and partnerships formed with Children’s

legislative requirements has led to services. Ongoing development has been

accommodation and support provision for achieved through the appointment of

young people becoming a priority for Lincolnshire’s Youth Housing Coordinator in

Lincolnshire January 2012

• Achievement against Government target to • Ongoing commitment to fund Lincolnshire’s
reduce the number of households living in Homelessness Strategy Officer. The post is
temporary accommodation has been currently funded, through district council
achieved contributions, to 31 March 2013. This post
brings together in a coordinated way all
• Commitment to tackling empty properties - seven district councils and stakeholders
Funding secured and Empty Property Pilot homelessness practices and actions to
project launched in NK, CoL, and WL prevent homelessness and drives forward
the actions of this strategy
• Continued commitment and investment to
supporting a programme of interactive • Developed multi agency focus on enabling
homelessness awareness in secondary ‘move on’ by bringing the move on action
schools through the Zest Theatre Tour plan into the LHSG

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 4

Introduction

The latest National Statutory Homelessness information is available at www.west-lind-
data shows an increase in the number of sey.gov.uk/residents/housing/housing-
households being accepted as statutory strategy/homelessness-strategies?tab=downloa
homelessness. In 2011 48,510 households were ds
accepted as homeless, in England up 14% from
42,390 acceptances in 2010. In the changing • The review included analysis of the needs of
policy environment and challenging financial homeless people and those at risk of home
climate Lincolnshire housings authorities and lessness, the main issues affecting these
their partner agencies will need to work in people and the resources available to meet
partnership to prevent homelessness and the problem. A detailed picture was compiled
ensure that the needs of homeless and vulnerable of past, current and future profile and levels
people are met during a time of likely increase of homelessness across the county.
in demand for our homeless services.
• Consultation workshops were held through
The Homelessness Act 2002 requires that all out October 2011 with Housing Advice
Local Authorities review homelessness in their Teams, stakeholders and service providers
districts and formulate and publish a strategy to understand which service user were most
based on the findings of a review. A review of in need of homelessness and homelessness
homelessness in Lincolnshire was completed in prevention services.
November 2011 and the full review can be
accessed at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/resi- • Through the review process, five key themes
dents/housing/housing-strategy/homelessness- have emerged. These are discussed in more
strategies?tab=downloads detail under our priorities section.

This review, along with extensive consultation - Partnership Working
with partners, stakeholders and customers, has
led to the development of a robust strategy - Prevention
(2012 – 2016) with partnership at its core to
enable an effective approach to preventing and - Young People
tackling homelessness across Lincolnshire.
- Rough Sleepers
The priorities of the current strategy have been
developed through extensive analysis of service - Welfare Reform
provision and subsequent gaps, followed by
consultation with practitioners, members, Particular emphasis is given to those service
service users and private landlords. user groups where analysis and consultation
demonstrated that demand exceeded current
Homelessness Review and Strategy provision. An additional, overarching theme
Development identified through the review and consultation is
that of ‘move on’. Move On objectives are
• The review was led by a working group incorporated into the strategy action plan
represented by each local authority, alongside each of the emerging themes.
bringing together strategic housing and
homelessness knowledge and expertise. Through recognising the need to raise awareness
of youth homelessness young people were
• Data from a number of sources has informed asked to put their flair of drawing to the test and
the development of the strategy. Further capture what homelessness meant to them in
an original drawing. The winning entrants won
the opportunity to script and perform a soap
opera drama based around youth homelessness

5 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

for their school and went on to design a logo for The LHSG and Sub Regional Homelessness
the LHSG which is featured on the front cover. Strategy Officer

• A Homelessness Conference was held in The LHSG meets on a monthly basis, rotating
November 2011; attended by almost 100 across the county. The group is attended regularly
practitioners from across Lincolnshire.The by over 25 practitioners, and is represented by
conference explored emerging themes with the district council’s, county council and a range
the support of specialists in each of the of voluntary and third sector agencies. The
respective fields. Consultation at this point group strives to continually develop links, and
sought support for the themes in preparation more recently has been joined by providers of
for these being taken forward as strategic newly commissioned Supporting People services,
priorities. Health Service, Leaving Care Service, and local
authorities from across the Lincolnshire border.
• Lincolnshire’s Homelessness Strategy 2012
– 2016 has been agreed by all 7 Lincolnshire The successes of the LHSG can be attributed in
housing authorities and endorsed by mem no small part to the work of the Groups Strategy
bers for implementation. The strategy has Coordinator. This role is jointly funded by the
been developed, and will be managed and seven Lincolnshire Housing Authorities and
delivered in conjunction with our partners. demonstrates their commitment to effective joint
working. The group’s coordinator, under the
• Achievements against the strategy action steer and dedication of the group’s chair and
plan will be reviewed and monitored annually with the support of all partners, has driven
or more frequently in light of need or policy forward the actions of the strategy and has led
change. Progress reports will be shared the consultation and development of the
with LHSG members, and the Lincolnshire county’s new Homeless Strategy.
Supported Housing Partnership.
Communication with the public and Sub Regional Grant Funding in Partnership
stakeholders will also be a priority. with Rutland County Council

Countywide Approach – Partnership Working On occasion, Central Government (dCLG)
allocates grant funding by ‘sub region’ to deliver
Partnership working presents its own challenges specific priorities. The Lincolnshire sub region
when working across two tier authorities however for tackling the following priorities includes
the seven Lincolnshire housing authorities have Rutland County Council.
a strong track record of working collectively,
together with other agencies and service users • Rough sleeping
through the well established Lincolnshire
Homelessness Strategy Group (LHSG) to tackle • Tackling homelessness for non priority
and prevent homelessness throughout the county. households

Working as a team means that there is a far better • Mortgage rescue
chance of achieving successful outcomes; the
changing policy environment and challenging Joint Commissioning
economic climate mean that a team approach
has never been more important than it is now. Joint commissioning is a means of delivering
As part of the LHSG, practitioners share a improved outcomes where there are shared
common aim; to develop and deliver services to aims and objectives between organisations
improve outcomes for vulnerable people across while taking into account value for money.
Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire has jointly commissioned a Rough
Sleeper Project with Rutland and a County Youth
Housing Coordinator Post with Children’s Services.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 6

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Lincolnshire will continue to take a strategic partnership has been highlighted as an
approach to future commissioning of services. example of best practice

Incorporated into the homelessness strategy Objectives
action plan are the additional actions made
possible through dCLG grant funding to facilitate • To prevent and tackle rough sleeping, single
the prevention of homelessness for non priority homelessness
households and rough sleepers.
• To develop a generic early intervention and
These actions are clearly identified in the action prevention service
plan.
Aims
Sub Regional Grant Funding to Prevent Single
Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Ensure that all homeless people approaching an
authority for assistance receive:
Overview
• Tailored Advice and assistance to prevent or
• £20 million made available to Local Authorities resolve homelessness
to ensure front line provision to prevent
single homelessness and rough sleeping • An offer of suitable accommodation if
nationally required (be that access to the PRS, a hostel
place or emergency accommodation)
• Sub Region of Lincolnshire and Rutland has
received an allocation of £259,000 • Access to/linked into any additional support
they may need
• Boston Borough Council will act as lead
authority This prevention activity/assistance should be
provided irrespective of the route by which the
• Expectation that the funding will remain as a customer came into contact with the authority
single approach and not be split between (eg: through a front line housing options service,
authorities within the sub region homelessness application, presenting as a
rough sleeper, or any other route available in
• Lincolnshire – Rutland sub region the local area).

7 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

National Strategic Context

Summary offering fixed term minimum of two year
tenancy up to five or 10 years renewable
There is an unprecedented amount of policy depending on household circumstances.
and economic change that will impact on
homelessness during the life of this strategy. Local authorities will need to develop a Local
Tenancy Strategy by January 2013 the
Localism objectives will be:

“The time has come to disperse power more • A better use of social and affordable housing
widely in Britain today”. to more effectively address housing need

Coalition Agreement, May 2010 • A better use of social and affordable housing
to reduce cost
The Localism Act [2011] sets out the new freedoms
and flexibility for local Government, rights and • Increased local and customer accountability
powers to local communities, reform to the for the use of social and affordable housing
planning system and decisions about housing to
be made locally. • A better use of social and affordable housing
to contribute to sustainable community out
The Act 2011 will give local authorities more comes
freedom and flexibility in the allocation of social
housing. Local authorities will be given the • An affordable rent model was created based
opportunity to reorganise how they manage on charging up to 80% of market rents to
their housing registers, to reflect local need. help develop new affordable housing
Local authorities will be able to utilise the private
rented sector to bring the main homelessness National Housing Strategy
duty to an end with an offer of suitable
accommodation in the private rented sector. • The Coalition Government has prioritised
These changes will enable local authorities to protection of the most vulnerable, through
make flexible decisions on accommodation and the National Housing Strategy for England
whether the need can be met adequately without [2011] and has developed measures to
the offer of social housing, freeing up the tackle the complex underlying causes of
national resource of social housing for those homelessness through the Ministerial
with the greatest need. Working Group

• The Armed Forces Covenant will bring • The 2010 Spending Review prioritised
additional support for current and former protection for the vulnerable and the Coalition
Armed Forces Personnel making it easier for Government established a multi discipline
service personnel to access social housing. Ministerial Working Group across eight
departments to tackle the complex underlying
• Local authorities will be given flexibility to causes of homelessness in particular rough
manage their housing registers, allocate sleeping, relationship breakdown,
social housing, and create a broader range unemployment, offending, bereavement and
of housing options utilising the private rented health problems. The first report published
sector to meet local housing need. The by the group Vision to End Rough Sleeping,
Localism Act will allow local authorities and “No Second Night Out Nationwide” sets out
Registered Providers to create new forms of six commitments to give local authorities the
social tenancies that can be replaced by tools to tackle rough sleeping:

- Helping people off the streets

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 8

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

- Helping people to access health care Preventing Homelessness Grant Funding

- Helping people into work The Coalition Government is supporting investing
in homelessness £400m has been invested to
- Reducing bureaucratic burdens prevent and tackle homelessness and rough
sleeping over the next four years. Local authorities
- Increasing local control over investment will receive a proportion of this funding through
in services their annual Preventing Homelessness Grant.
This grant will be used in a variety of different
- Devolving responsibility for tacking ways to prevent homelessness.
homelessness
£18.5 million Non priority Homelessness
• In 2011 the Government responded to a
significant increase in statutory homelessness Has been invested to offer support specifically
with a number of radical reforms nationally, to single homeless people who are outside
to its social housing and welfare policy, which Homelessness Legislation and can find
resulted in the first national housing strategy themselves with fewer housing options.

• Tackling homelessness is a key priority set £20 million Repossession Prevention Fund
out in the Government’s Housing Strategy
“Laying the Foundations”, a Housing Strategy Help will be available for struggling homeowners
for England [2011], the Coalition Government at risk of repossession through a £19m Preventing
is committed to providing appropriate support, Repossession Fund and £1m Repossession
protection and opportunities to struggling Court Desk schemes.
households and to making the best use of
social housing for the most vulnerable and Welfare Reform Act
those that need it the most
The Welfare Reform Act [March 2012] will
£20 million Homelessness Transition Fund introduce a wide range of initiatives to make tax
benefits and tax credit fairer and simpler, with the
• The voluntary sector working with homeless overarching emphasis of getting people back
and vulnerable people face a challenging into work, and making work pay. The relevant
economic climate. The £20 million pound changes that are likely to impact on homelessness
Homelessness Transition Fund will help are:
deliver the principals and standards of “No
Second Night Out Nationwide”, by supporting • Change to Local Housing Allowance, will mean
critical homelessness services where evidence benefit claimants will only be able to afford 1 in
of rough sleeping is increasing. The fund offers 3 properties in the private rented sector
voluntary organisations transitional protection
for critical services at a time of increased • Capping the Local Housing Allowance
demand for homeless services and will allow
for alternative funding streams to be sought • Change to the Shared Room Rate from April
2012 single people under 35 will only be eligible
• Lincolnshire housing authorities through for housing benefit to rent a room in
partnership with Framework Housing shared accommodation
Association supported a successful bid to
the Homelessness Transition Fund to • Universal Credit – will bring households
develop a rough sleeper’s outreach and benefit payment into one single payment
reconnection service operating across
Lincolnshire to support homeless and • The benefit cap – a total cap will be brought
vulnerable people off a street based lifestyle in on the total amount of benefit that working
age people can receive so workless families
9 will not receive more than average working
families

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Countywide Strategic Context

Tackling homelessness is not just about Housing Related Support Agenda
providing housing. The complex and diverse
nature of homelessness will require this strategy Offers housing related support for vulnerable
to link with a broad range of services and plans people, this responsibility is now managed by
to focus on and promote healthy and vibrant local government.
communities in Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Housing Strategy 2009 – 2014
Lincolnshire Sustainable Communities
Strategy 2009 – 2030 Was developed during changing times for housing
and therefore reflects many challenges including
Partners across Lincolnshire worked together to a continued high demand for new homes, an
set out the overall strategic direction and long emerging emphasis on place shaping and a
term single vision for the economic, social and need to further understand the Lincolnshire
wellbeing of the local area. housing markets and how to meet housing
need.
Homelessness and safe appropriate housing
are directly linked to many of the themes within Sub Regional Housing Market Assessments
this strategy.
Provides information on the level of need and
Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy demand for housing within an area and explores
the opportunities that exist for meeting that
A strategy is currently in development and this need.
will provide opportunities for participation of
housing and homelessness services in domestic It is an important document which contributes
abuse priorities. to the shaping of local strategic thinking in housing
and planning.
Lincolnshire Empty Homes Strategy
2010 – 2013 Community Safety

Aims to bring empty homes back into use and Link with community safety teams to reduce
help increase the supply of affordable homes crime and anti social behaviour.
and reduce homelessness.
Families Working Together
Lincolnshire Youth Housing Strategy
Provides support to families with multiple problems
The current strategy has expired, however, a such as housing and managing debts,
new document to guide the youth housing unemployment, school attendance and
pathway in Lincolnshire is being developed. involvement in anti-social behaviour through
integrated support from multi agency partners.
Safeguarding
Heatlh and Welbeing Strategy
All local authorities carry out their work to ensure
compliance with Section 11 of the Children Act The joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy aims to
the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare inform and influence decisions about health and
of children in the delivery of all aspects of the social care services in Lincolnshire so that they
homelessness service. are focused on the needs of the people who use
them to tackle the factors that affect everyones
A revised countywide strategy to consider adult health and wellbeing.
safeguarding is currently being developed.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 10

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Legal Framework

Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 as amended also requires authorities to assist individuals
by the Homelessness Act 2002 provides the and families who are homeless or threatened
statutory under-pinning for action to tackle with homelessness and apply for help.
homelessness. It is a vital safety net for
homeless people and those at risk of For more information:
homelessness.
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/p
The homelessness legislation places a general df/152056.pdf
duty on housing authorities to ensure that advice
and information about homelessness, and www.england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_f
preventing homelessness, is available to everyone ile/0003/23358/Advice_booklet_Homeless_read
in their district free of charge. The legislation _this.pdf

11 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Homelessness in Lincolnshire

Why do we prevent homelessness? already in a homeless crisis.

Preventing homelessness is a national and local Lincolnshire authorities have prevented over
priority, “It is vital that we prioritise the needs of seven thousand households from becoming
the most vulnerable in order to prevent damage homeless throughout the life of the 2008 – 2012
to individuals and communities and to avoid strategy.
higher costs for local services later on”.
Housing Advice Teams use a wide range of
Preventing homelessness and protecting the varied tools and projects to prevent homelessness.
most vulnerable.
The table below shows the number of households
The aim of prevention activity is to intervene to prevented from becoming homeless broken
prevent households from becoming homeless down by district over the life of the 2008 – 2012
and to manage the consequences of households strategy.

Authority 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
Boston 58 85 179 176
East Lindsey 322 412 513 599
City of Lincoln 79 232 363 440
North Kesteven 196 309 375 367
South Holland 336 448 406 288
South Kesteven 125 376 353 354
West Lindsey 53 110 175 203
Lincolnshire 2364 2427
1169 1972

Preventing homelessness provides positive and has an impact on wider services such as
outcomes for homeless households in a cost health, education and employment.
effective way.
Positive outcomes for homeless people
“Demonstrating the cost effectiveness of
preventing homelessness, not only will enable • Enabling households to remain in their home
households to remain in their existing contributing to prosperous and sustainable
accommodation its cheaper than securing communities
alternative accommodation, this also brings
wider social-economic and health related benefits • Preventing homelessness has health benefits
by avoiding substantial social disruption and contributing to the feeling of wellbeing
‘knock on’ resettlement costs.”
• Preventing homelessness leads to greater
Demonstrating the cost effectiveness of preventing stability for families, contributing to higher
homelessness dCLG July 2010. educational attainment

Preventing homelessness delivers both social • Preventing homelessness can sustain
and economic benefits to residents of Lincolnshire employment and contribute towards the local
economy

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 12

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Cost Effectiveness Central Government collects Homelessness
data known as P1E information from all local
As demonstrated through research by Heriot-Watt authorities on a quarterly basis. P1E data is the
University in 2007 preventing homelessness main resource nationally for determining levels
has significant savings compared to the cost of of homelessness. It refers to the number of
helping someone who is already homeless and households approaching the local authority as
provides value for money. Through using this homeless and the number of households
approach Local Authorities can prevent more accepted as homeless and owed a full housing
households from becoming homeless. duty (statutory homeless).

For more information: The number of homeless applications and
acceptances in Lincolnshire has decreased
http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_f since 2008/09 to 2011/12 this is attributed to the
ile/0008/297224/VFM_in_housing_options_and successful implementation and development of
_homelessness_services_full_report_Oct_2010. the prevention approach taken by homelessness
pdf teams rather than assistance at the point of crisis.

Homelessness Acceptances The following table shows the number of homeless
applications made in Lincolnshire and broken
Across England, Homelessness is increasing. down into district from April 2008 to March 2011.
there were 50,290 households accepted as
homeless during 2011/12 up 14% from 44,160
acceptances in 2010/11, and this trend looks set
to rise further.

Year Homelessness BBC EL CoL NK SH SK WL England
Applications in Lincolnshire

2008/09 814 146 191 163 49 65 132 68 112,900

2009/10 632 93 152 100 31 62 144 50 89,120

2010/11 692 80 153 97 34 60 201 67 102,200

2011/12 795 84 159 157 51 63 245 36 108,720

Source P1E Homelessness Returns & CLG live tables on homelessness

The following table shows the number of those applications which were accepted being owed a full
housing duty.

Year Homelessness BBC EL CoL NK SH SK WL England
Acceptances in Lincolnshire

2008/09 425 37 82 122 37 19 87 41 53,430

2009/10 354 15 78 73 23 21 109 35 40,020

2010/11 441 23 73 72 29 29 172 43 44,160

2011/12 534 11 98 125 39 15 218 28 50,290

Source P1E Homelessness Returns & CLG live tables on homelessness

13 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

The table below show the number of homelessness acceptances by age by Lincolnshire authorities
during 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Year Acceptances Age 16-24 Age 25-44 Age 45-59 Age 60-64 Age 65-74 Age 75+
2 16 2
2008/09 425 165 197 43 9 7 2
5 14 5
2009/10 354 130 163 43 5 16 6

2010/11 441 165 198 54

2011/12 534 196 237 74

Source P1E Homelessness Returns & CLG live tables on homelessness

The widest age group 25 – 44 has the highest These three reasons have remained fairly
number of homeless acceptances. consistent during 08/12, and are broadly
consistent with national trends.
However it is notable that young people aged
16– 24 account for 38%, 37%, 37% and 36% Nationally in 2011/12, the main cause of
respectively for the years 08/09, 09/10, 10/11 homelessness was eviction by parents, relatives
and 11/12 of all homeless acceptances in or friends at 34%.
Lincolnshire.
In 19% of cases, households were unable to
Reasons for homelessness find alternative accommodation when their
tenancy ended.
A review of our countywide P1E Homelessness
Statutory Returns shows that the most common The impact of this data evidences the need to
reasons for homelessness across Lincolnshire forge strong partnerships with the private rented
in 2011/12 are: sector focusing on accessibility and tenancy
sustainment,continuing to work with young
• Ending of Assured Shorthold Tenancies people, supporting, victims of violence and most
of all continue the excellent prevention work
• Violence undertaken by all districts.

• Other relatives or friends no longer willing or The graph on page 15 shows the reasons why
able to accommodate households became homeless during 2008/09 –
2011/12.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 14

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Reasons why Households became Homeless in Lincolnshire during
2008/09 - 2011/12

The graphs facing show the number of rough In the same period in 2011 42 rough sleepers
sleepers recorded on a single night between were recorded as sleeping out.
1 October – 30 November 2010 and 2011 in
Lincolnshire and Rutland. Boston, East Lindsey and Lincoln are hotspots
for rough sleeping and future services will be
* Rutland is a partner in tackling rough sleeping targeted in these areas to reduce rough
and is therefore included in the Lincolnshire sleeping.
grouping.
Nationally the biggest increase in rough
During 2010 36 people were recorded as sleeping is in the East of England and East
sleeping rough across Lincolnshire and Rutland. Midlands.

15 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Number of Rough Sleepers Recorded on a Single Night between
1 October - 30 November 2010 in Lincolnshire & Rutland

Number of Rough Sleepers Recorded on a Single
Night between 1 October - 30 November 2011 in

Lincolnshire & Rutland

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 16

Our Priorities
Prevention
Partnership Working
Welfare & Policy Reform
Young People
Rough Sleeping

17 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Our Priorities

Our priorities were chosen through consultation and economic change that will impact on
workshops, held with Housing Advice homelessness during the life of this strategy.
Teams, service providers and stakeholders,
together with mapping of services, resources To meet the challenges of economic uncertainty
and current provision. and welfare reform it’s essential to predict the
impact of the changes to reduce and manage
Attendees at the workshop were asked based the demand on our homelessness services
on their current experience what were the main through developing access routes into the
issues affecting homelessness services and private rented sector and preventing eviction.
which service user groups were most in need of
homeless prevention services. Young People

In order to deliver homelessness services into There is a clear focus on meeting the needs of
the future, prevention, partnership working, young people between Housing and Children’s
welfare and policy reform and move on will be Services.
key priorities.
The landmark Judgement by the House of Lords
Young people and rough sleepers were service in R(G) v LB Southwark 2009 reinforced the
user groups indentified as having specific needs need for Children’s Services and Housing
and therefore taken forward as strategic priorities. Authorities to secure or provide accommodation
for homeless 16/17 year olds.
It’s expected that these groups will have
additional issues compounded by the changes Children’s Services and Housing Authorities are
to welfare reform and lack of affordable housing. committed to working together to meet the
needs of young people across Lincolnshire.
Prevention
Need will be addressed through developing a
Focuings on prevention is an incrediably clear pathway out of homelessness, focusing on
valuable approach to effectively reducing early intervention and prevention, prevention at
homelessness. prevention includes planning for the point of crisis, support and stabilisation and
things that may have a likely impact on demand resettlement.
for our homelessness services and covers a
diverse ranage of activities, including early Rough Sleeping
intervention, education and support for
individuals and households to sustain their The Government drive to end rough sleeping is
accommodation. something which, because of our strong
partnership approach, we can actively work to
Partnership Working achieve in Lincolnshire.

Includes partnerships at a county level, district A significant amount of funding has been
level and more informally between partner secured to focus this priority.
agencies.
Move On
Partnerships need to be supported and continually
developed to be most effective. Move On is an overarching theme to our strategy
with the aim of providing accessible and
Welfare and Policy Reform supported pathways to independent living for all
service users and encouraging future
There is an unprecedented amount of policy independence.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 18

Over 7,000
households have
been prevented from
becoming homeless during

2008 - 2012

19 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Prevention

Housing Advice Teams prevent homelessness for social housing, identify eligibility for financial Prevention
through a number of different methods and assistance and signpost to other agencies.
projects this prevention approach is flexiable
and adaptative to change and has resulted in This process also acts as an early warning sign
a reduction in homelessness acceptances to whether a statutory homeless duty is owed. If
across Lincolnshire. this has been identified a duty to investigate will
be triggered and a decision made under the
However, we need to build on this by ensuring homelessness legislation. Housing Advice
that everyone who is at risk of homelessness Teams will at the same time work with the
gets help at the earliest stage to help them from customer to try to find a solution to prevent them
losing their home. from becoming homeless.

“For many people becoming homeless is not the Access to Social Housing
beginning of their problems, it comes at the end
of a long line of crises, a long line of interactions Housing Register
with public and voluntary sector services, a long
line of missed opportunities. We must change Each local authority has a local housing register
that”. as a means to allocate social housing.

Making every contact count August 2012 For some authorities this is through a traditional
points based system whilst others have adopted
Homelessness services cannot prevent banding schemes where applicant’s needs are
homelessness in isolation, and need to work prioritised through a choice based lettings
together with other services to support those at approach.
risk of homelessness.
Boston Borough Council
Current provision around prevention
• CBL scheme operated and managed by
Housing Advice Boston Mayflower.

Proactive and readily available housing advice City of Lincoln Council
is the first step in preventing homelessness.
Housing Advice Teams across Lincolnshire are • Currently operates a CBL system.
available to offer advice and assistance to help
customers either remain in their existing • From Autumn 2012, will be part of a Central
accommodation or where that is not an option Lincolnshire CBL scheme (with WLDC and
look to secure alternative accommodation. NKDC). Acis Group Ltd will also be a partner
in the scheme.
It may also be possible to delay an imminent
loss of accommodation to prevent homelessness North Kesteven District Council
and instead, structure a move to alternative
accommodation. • Currently a traditional points based system

The advice is given through offering a housing • From Autumn 2012, will be part of a Central
options interview. By using this approach Housing Lincolnshire CBL scheme (with CoL and
Advice Teams can resolve conflict, negotiate WLDC). Acis Group Ltd will also be a partner
with landlords, offer information and advice on in the scheme.
the private rented sector, make an application
West Lindsey District Council

• Currently a traditional points based system

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 20

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

• From Autumn 2012, will be part of a Central debt advice services; both locally and nationally
Lincolnshire CBL scheme (with CoL and and signposting to Housing Benefit teams,
NKDC). Acis Group Ltd will also be a partner Housing Advice Teams can ensure that
in the scheme. customers are receiving the financial advice
they require and are claiming what they are
East Lindsey District Council entitled to.

• CBL scheme operated and managed by New Debt advice has been the most successful
Linx Housing Trust. and widely used homelessness prevention tool
in Lincolnshire during 2009/10 and 2010/11.
South Kesteven District Council
East Lindsey Pilot for 16/17 year olds
• Operates a points based system
East Lindsey District Council offer supported
South Holland District Council housing for young people with complex needs.
Self contained units are leased from New Linx
• Operates a points based system Housing Trust and managed by ELDC.

Discretionary Housing Payment [DHP] Support is intensive and needs-led and focused
on learning the necessary skills to live
The provision of DHP allows payments to be independently - particularly managing money.
made to top up a temporary shortfall for a person
in receipt of housing benefit and/or council tax Emphasis is put on training and community
benefit to prevent homelessness. involvement e.g. volunteering and work
experience.
Each benefit department is allocated funding
each year to help people who qualify for housing Housing Benefit Payments
or council tax benefit, but are having trouble
paying their rent or council tax. Lincolnshire authorities have informal
arrangements with their respective Housing
Housing Advice Teams and housing benefit Benefit teams to ensure that claims are
departments will need to consider a partnership processed as quickly as possible and direct
approach when awarding DHP to prevent payments are made to private sector landlords
homelessness. as required particularly for vulnerable households.

DHP payments will not meet all shortfalls due to This can be particularly important in minimising
the number of people that will be affected by the arrears and where private landlords are reluctant
welfare reform changes, therefore to take to take on tenants receiving housing benefit.
account of increased demand a common
approach will need to be adopted. Housing Related Support

For further information on DHP’s in your area Floating Support and Supported Housing is
please contact your local council. the terminology used across the county to
refer to specific support that is offered to help
Debt Advice people live independently through support at
home and through accommodation based
Debt can severely restrict the ability for a supported housing schemes.
household to access accommodation especially
in the private rented sector. Similarly, debt can
impact on a household’s ability to maintain their
accommodation.

Through advice and signposting to specialist

21 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Floating Support In partnership with the local authority a Prevention
designated Registered Provider who is an elected
Floating support schemes help people live MRS Champion may step in to buy all or part of
independently on their own. the property allowing a family to stay in their
home providing they meet the eligibility criteria.
Households will receive practical housing
related support and will gain the skills required Negotiating with Landlords
to maintain their own tenancy.
Due to a lack of social housing the private
Supported Housing rented sector is sometimes the main option
available for many seeking accommodation.
Lincolnshire Public Health Directorate funds
short term supported housing, where Due to the cost of moving into this sector coupled
accommodation and floating support are delivered with some landlords being unwilling to accept
through one service. those on housing benefit and rent restrictions for
those aged under 25, it is often not an
A Support Worker will offer support for up to two accessible or affordable option.
years depending on the level of support
required to move on to independent living. Housing Advice Teams are able to negotiate
with landlords and can arrange where
Mediation appropriate for housing benefit to be paid
straight to the landlord.
Housing Advice Teams across the county
informally mediate between parties to prevent Legal advocacy may be used when considering
someone becoming homeless. prosecuting for illegal eviction.

Home visits play an important part in this process. Nightstop
Mediation has been a vital tool in assisting
16/17 year olds to remain in the family home. East Lindsey and South Holland operate a
Nightstop scheme that provides support to
Family Group Conferencing is available through young people in need of emergency
Lincolnshire County Council to mediate and accommodation.
resolve family conflict. Housing Advice Officers
are also trained in mediation skills. The scheme is open to those aged between 16
and 25 and provides accommodation with a
Money Advice Service host family for up to five nights in East Lindsey
and three nights in South Holland.
City of Lincoln Council and North Kesteven
have Welfare Advisors who provide advice and This enables a young person to be safe and in a
assistance on income maximisation, budgeting friendly environment whilst allowing agencies
and debt management to residents whose debts time to find more permanent accommodation
and/or living costs are becoming difficult to or negotiate with parents for the young person
manage. to return to home.

Mortgage Rescue Scheme [MRS] Preventing Homelessness Grant

The Government Mortgage Rescue Scheme is Each authority receives an annual grant from
a targeted homelessness prevention tool that the Department of Communities and Local
provides an additional safety net for vulnerable Government [dCLG] to prevent and tackle
households at risk of repossession. homelessness.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 22

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

This is known as the ‘Preventing Homelessness and joint action plan to address the needs of
Grant’, whilst it is no longer ring-fenced it is young peopel in Lincolnshire.
expected that it will be allocated to homelessness
prevention. Lincolnshire authorities and Children’s Service
jointly commission a youth homelessness
On a day to day basis Lincolnshire authorities drama where Year 11 pupils across Lincolnshire
use their Homelessness Prevention Grants in a discover the homeless truths through a hard
variety of different ways to prevent households hitting touring drama production “Until it’s Gone”.
from becoming homeless.
The drama is based on true stories of young
In some areas the grant is used to fund people facing homelessness in Lincolnshire.
commissioned services for example debt advice The production is written and delivered by Zest
services, emergency accommodation facilities Theatre in conjunction with the Lincolnshire
and the homelessness prevention focussed Homelessness Strategy Group to specifically
theatre production delivered in schools by Zest tackle issues that are common in Lincolnshire.
Theatre.
Preventing Repossession Fund
Local authorities can use this funding in innovative
ways to include hire of skips and deep housing dCLG has allocated a minimum of £30,000
cleans to prevent homelessness. grant funding to each local authority to stabilise
a household’s financial situation to prevent
Pre action Protocol repossession through mortgage or rent arrears.

The Ministry of Justice Pre action Protocol set Support can be offered through either a grant or
out the steps mortgage lenders must go through interest free loan, brokering, and facilitating
before seeking possession of a property to access to MRS.
ensure that repossession is a last resort.
Mortgage lenders are required to notify local Funding is only provided where it is sustainable
authorities of pending repossession hearings. for the household to afford their accommodation
in the longer term and funding is capped at
Through this approach Housing Advice Teams £5,000 per household. Lincolnshire authorities
are able to make a direct offer of support to the received an allocation in 2011/12 and also
owner occupiers to assist in preventing 2012/13.
homelessness.
Rent Deposit Scheme
This has increased early intervention for home
owners in housing need and has been a useful Lincolnshire authorities have in place deposit
pathway for households to access support and in schemes which allow customers in housing
some instances, financial support. difficulty, homeless or threatened with
homelessness to access housing in the private
Partnership Working with Children’s Services rented sector.

Lincolnshire authorities have worked in partnership Assistance is offered through either a paper or
with Children’s Services to develop a protocol to cash deposit for a limited amount of time en-
outline the approach to be taken to tackling and abling the tenant to save for their own deposit
preventing homeless 16/17 year olds. through the scheme.

Continuation of this work will develop with the Once the deposit has been approved, an officer
appointment of a County Youth Housing will work with the new tenant and the landlord to
Coordinator to lead the development of a protocol ensure the tenancy is sustained.

23 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

This prevention tool is contributing significantly This scheme can help a person feel safer to Prevention
towards successful homelessness prevention. remain in their own home, if they are no longer
Partner agencies also operate similar schemes. living with the perpetrator.

Repossession Court Desk Scheme Each local authority works closely with their
local domestic abuse services to provide the
The county courts across Lincolnshire operate a client with information about their options
Court Desk Scheme that gives free advice and focusing on risk and the prevention of further
representation to people at rent or mortgage harm.
possession hearings.
Given that domestic abuse is a key reason for
Lincolnshire authorities use this tool to suspend homelessness, services such as this are integral
the landlord/lender taking possession of the to homelessness prevention.
property which allows Housing Advice Teams
more time to work with the customer to prevent Tenancy Training Course
repossession usually through negotiations with
the landlord or lender. West Lindsey District Council is piloting a Tenancy
Training Course for young people to improve
A successful prevention would usually involve a their options and to address the issues that
payment plan to clear the arrears. At the very young people face in sustaining their own
least, this service can support households to tenancies.
request that the hearing is adjourned to allow
the local authority time to work with the household Preparing young people through training in key
to explore and consider all their options. areas will help them to prepare for independent
living and prevent the loss of a future tenancy.
Safe Homes/Sanctuary Scheme
The course focuses on key subjects which
A Safer Home or Sanctuary Scheme has been have been attributed to tenancy failure, for
developed in all districts to assist those who are example budgeting and debt, being a good
affected by domestic abuse. The scheme provides neighbour and rent and bills. The course also
additional security measures to a property such explores and promotes healthy eating, laundry
as increased lighting, reinforced doors and and cooking.
window locks.

“

”We believe this course helped us to get this house
because it shows that we are prepared to learn and do

our bit to become good tenants.”

Young person tenancy training evaluation

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 24

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

West Lindsey Crash Bed
West Lindsey District Council has an emergency
bed space called a ‘Crash Bed’ as part of the
districts Foyer provision.
The Crash Bed is predominantly designed for
young people aged 16/17 year old threatened
with or presenting as homeless.
It is designed to be a quick response at the
point of crisis whilst work is undertaken by
Housing and Children’s Services with the family
to see if it is possible for the young person to
return home if it is safe to do so.
If it is not safe for the young person to return
home the Crash Bed acts as an introduction to
supported housing, making the young person
feel more comfortable with a move into
supported accommodation.
The crash bed is a short term option which allows
the council to accommodate young people
safely without having to access bed and
breakfast accommodation.

25 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Plans for the future 2012 which is a 24% increase on the previous Prevention
year.
• It will be necessary to extend and tailor our
prevention approach to include non statutory “A greater number of stretched households are likely
single homelessness and rough sleeping. to find it more difficult to cope this year, despite
continuing forbearance policies by lenders, as
• Develop a no wrong door policy, through a upward pressure on arrears and repossessions
common understanding of local services will be exacerbated by the weakening employment
by delivering briefings to partners and market”.
members regarding a local response to Specialist Advisors: Mortgage Rescue Information
homelessness prevention. Guide April 2012

• There is a need to support vulnerable • There is the need to ensure Housing Advice
households facing repossession through Teams are aware of the scope and flexibility
the £19m Preventing Repossession Fund. within the Mortgage Rescue Scheme and to
raise awareness with communities.
• Facilitating access to the Mortgage Rescue
Scheme, and interest free loans to stabilise • It is acknowledged that formal mediation
households financial situation will prevent training would benefit the county in the future.
them from losing their home.
• Develop initiatives for delivering the
• We need to work in partnership with the Preventing Repossession Fund.
private rented sector, social landlords and
supported accommodation providers to • Review the provision of sanctuary provision
prevent eviction. and associated costs and outcomes.

• We need to explore ways of working with • Develop effective move on from supported
vulnerable and chaotic households to help housing.
them sustain future tenancies.
• Support a review of Sanctuary Schemes
• Consideration to be given to pre tenancy across Lincolnshire in partnership with
training to address the risks of tenancy Lincolnshire County Council.
failure and associated homelessness.
• The approach to future service provision
• Support has to be given to initiatives and will be based on shared learning taken from
develop partnerships to prevent homeless pilot schemes and projects. These will include
ness as a result of those having to flee their East Lindsey young persons pilot West
home because of violence or the threat of Lindsey’s tenancy training course, and crash
violence. pad and East Lindsey and South Holland’s
nightstop schemes.
• The commitment to providing quality
housing advice, through training, and sharing • Develop partnerships with Children’s
best practice and networking will continue. Services across the county and ensure true
partnership working.
• Protocols need to be developed and
actioned to ensure planned discharge from • We must ensure that we continue to focus
hospital and prison. on prevention and ensure that those at risk
of homelessness or already homeless can
• The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimates access appropriate advice and assistance.
that there will be 45,000 repossessions in

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 26

“The most successful action to tackle
homelessness is rooted in local communities,
local authorities working together with local

community groups, charities and
businesses”.

The Vision to end Rough Sleeping No Second Night Out:
Nationwide is a HM Government initiative

27 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Partnership Working

The complexity of homelessness requires partnership working by Homeless Link and Partnership
innovative partnership working, sharing dCLG, with the LHSG model now being
skills, expertise and supporting one another to replicated across other sub regional areas.
prevent and tackle homelessness.
Best Practice
Lincolnshire authorities and agencies have a
strong track record of working together and this The national homelessness charity Homeless
strategy has been developed through a partnership Link has praised the work of the LHSG for it’s
approach. innovative partnership.

Through working in partnership much more has East Midlands Regional Manager for Homeless
been achieved, than working in isolation, Link recently said: “A sign of a caring, tolerant
expanding knowledge and expertise of partner and civilised society is how it treats and cares
agencies. for its most vulnerable members.

Working together also helps to provide higher “I am pleased to say that the partnership in
quality integrated services to clients with multiple Lincolnshire is a fine example of this through the
needs, as no one agency can meet all needs. work it is doing and further planning to do to
help and support people who find themselves
LHSG for a variety of reasons sleeping on the streets.

The LHSG, is responsible for the delivery of “All seven local authorities together with the
Lincolnshire’s Homelessness Strategy and county council are working in a real positive and
ensures the actions of the Homelessness coordinated way through a strong county group
Strategy Action Plan are met. namely the Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy
Group (LHSG) and are very ably supported by
The LHSG is proud of how it works as a multi a passionate and committed Chair and Sub
disciplinary team, it supports and continually Regional Homelessness Strategy Project Officer.
develops its partnerships, ensuring complementary
practices and effective communication through “This county group is one of the strongest and
monthly meetings. most organised in the East Midlands region…

The group is attended regularly by over 25 “This LHSG partnership is unique in the East
practitioners and is represented by all seven Midlands region and one of the better one’s
local authorities and Lincolnshire County Council nationally! I regularly use the LHSG as a model
and a diverse range of voluntary and third sector of good practice when talking about how two tier
agencies. authorities should work in partnership to develop
and deliver real change making services across
The group strives to continually develop links and authority boundaries.
more recently has been joined by providers of
newly commissioned services, and Rutland “Recently at a No Second Night Out Conference
County Council for Sub regional work. both myself and the DCLG Specialist Advisor
highlighted the work being done by the LHSG as
Working across a diverse sub region requires a good practice and both Derbyshire and
coordinated approach and commitment from all Northamptonshire are now considering using
partners. the Lincolnshire model for themselves!

The LHSG has been recognised and
highlighted as an example of best practice for

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 28

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

“I have found it a real pleasure to be working Strategic and Operational Links
with such a forward looking and innovative
partnership that really is committed to making a The LHSG has links with Homeless Link through
difference to the lives of the most vulnerable the Regional Manager for East Midlands and with
amongst us.” dCLG through the Specialist Advisor for the
East Midlands.
Mohammad Sabeel East Midlands Regional
Manager Homeless Link Joint Commissioning – is an ideal opportunity to
work together where departments share a similar
Resources and Funding focus to prevent homelessness. The LHSG
already recognises this and jointly commissions
Working in partnership means that we can with Children’s Services a youth theatre production
effectively pool skills resources and increase our delivered to schools with the aim of preventing
ability to achieve more. youth homelessness.

Homelessness Conferences Additionally, a Youth Housing Coordinator has
also been jointly appointed to improve outcomes
Are a method used to engage with service for young people at risk of homelessness.
providers.
Sub Regional Officer
Local Housing/Homelessness Forums
The successes of LHSG and of Lincolnshire in
Provide a variety of different functions, and delivering outcomes can be attributed in no
opportunities for discussing local homelessness small part to the work of the groups strategy
issues, communicating relevant legislative coordinator.
changes, sharing best practice, service
information and promoting awareness of new This role is jointly funded by the seven
initiatives. Lincolnshire Housing Authorities and
demonstrates commitment to effective joint
Improved partnerships between district housing working.
authorities and children services teams – Housing
and Children’s Services came together for joint The groups coordinator, under the steer and
training to improve the accommodation options dedication of the groups Chair and with the
for 16/17 year olds across Lincolnshire. support of all partners has driven forward the
actions of Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy
2008 – 2012 and coordinated the development
and delivery of Lincolnshire’s Homelessness
Strategy 2012 – 2016.

By working in partnership, we are able to proactively develop joined up approaches regarding
homelessness prevention work, share resources and network with colleagues between
bordering authorities. Working with Lincolnshire has certainally demonstrated the essential
knowledge and resources that are required to help those most in need and this project will
provide a range of positive outcomes for both partnerships and service users.

Roger Begy Leader of Rutland County Council

29 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy Partnership
2012 – 2016

Plans for the future

• The LHSG will continue to work as a multi disciplinary partnership to achieve positive outcomes
to support homeless and vulnerable people.

• New partnerships will be forged and existing ones developed with Rutland County Council
health, mental health, Jobcentre Plus, Probation, and Families Working Together.

• Actions will be delivered through the group forums to develop and approve partnership
working at county and district level to create opportunities to maximise benefits to homeless
households.

• Support will be given to the continuation of the group coordinator.
• All of the local forums reviewed and aligned to reflect the priorities of the LHSG and ensure

that the actions in the strategy are jointly owned and implemented.
• Commissioning new prevention options such as supported lodgings scheme, and the youth

theatre production Until its Gone.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 30

31 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Welfare & Policy Reform

There is an unprecedented amount of policy The Welfare Reform Act [March 2012] will Welfare
and economic change that will impact on introduce a wide range of initiatives to make tax
homelessness during the life of this strategy. benefits and tax credit fairer and simpler, with
Preparing for the impact of welfare and policy the overarching emphasis of getting people
reform will be a key priority for Lincolnshire. back into work, and making work pay.

The Localism Act 2011 will bring local authorities However, the relevant housing benefit changes
more freedom and flexibility in the allocation of that are likely to have a negative impact on
social housing through being able to reorganise homelessness are:
how housing registers are managed to reflect
local need. Change to the Shared Room Rate

The private rented sector will be able to be used From April 2012 those under 35 will only be
to bring the main homelessness duty to an end. eligible for housing benefit to rent a room in
shared accommodation.
These changes will enable local authorities
across Lincolnshire to make flexible decisions This will have a large impact across Lincolnshire
on accommodation and whether the need can due to the lack of single bed properties and
be met adequately without the offer of social lack of shared accommodation.
housing. In adopting this new approach the
valuable resource of social housing will be freed Change to Local Housing Allowance Rates
up for those in the greatest need. [LHA]

Registered Providers will be able to create new From April 2012, LHA rates will be increased in
forms of tenure. Tenancies for life for new social line with the Consumer Price Index instead of
housing tenants can be replaced by fixed term market rents in each area. (Maximum housing
flexible tenancies of two, five or 10 years benefit is the level of rent or applicable LHA rate
renewable depending on household which ever is the lower.)
circumstances.
This will mean benefit claimants will only be
Local authorities in Lincolnshire will need to able to afford one in three properties in the
develop Local Tenancy Strategies with Registered private rented sector.
Housing Providers in their area to support this.
The effective change is that households may
Benefits of flexible tenancies: have a shortfall in available funds to pay rent.
Raising awareness of these changes to those
A better use of social and affordable housing to affected will be essential, Discretionary Housing
more effectively address housing need Payments may be able to assist with short term
shortfalls.
• A better use of social and affordable housing
to reduce cost From April 2012, a size criteria will apply in the
social rented sector (eg council and housing
• Increased local and customer accountability association properties) for working age tenants
for the use of social and affordable housing replicating the size criteria that applies to housing
benefit claimants in the private sector under
• A better use of social and affordable housing LHA rules.
to contribute to sustainable community
outcomes

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 32

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

This means that people living in houses larger
than they need (under occupiers) will have to
move somewhere smaller or make up the
difference in rent because their housing benefit
will be reduced.
There will likely be a 14% cut for under occupying
by one bedroom and a 25% for under occupying
by two or more bedrooms.
Capping Local Housing Allowance
Households living in a five bedroom or more
property will only be able to claim up to the
maximum of a four bed property.
This means that large families renting in the
private rented sector may have a shortfall in
rent if they are living in a property with more
than four bedrooms.

Universal Credit 2013
Will bring households benefit payment including
housing cost into one single payment for people
of working age.
Vulnerable groups will be responsible for
managing their own money, which could result
in rent arrears and priority debts.
The Benefit Cap2013
The benefit cap will apply to people aged
16 - 64 of working age receiving benefits
including housing cost. The benefit cap will
ensure that worklessness families do not
receive more in benefits than the average
working family.
Housing Advice Teams will have an important
role in supporting and advising households
subject to change in their circumstances, by
helping to negotiate rent reductions, and
moves to more affordable accommodation.

33 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy Welfare
2012 – 2016

Plans for the future

• Need to communicate locally and develop a robust communications plan.

• One of the main reasons for homelessness across Lincolnshire is the ending of Assured
Shorthold Tenancies in the private rented sector. In recognition of this there is a need to
address tenancy security and reduce the number of households becoming homeless
from private rented properties.

• Supporting good quality private sector accommodation will help towards sustaining
tenancies and reduce the number of households leaving unsuitable accommodation due to
disrepair and neglect.

• Reductions in housing benefit may not mean that accommodation is unaffordable for every
household affected however timely advice, preparation and joint working will reduce
pressure on housing services to provide DHP’s to cover the shortfall or to source alternative
accommodation.

• It is important to communicate the right information at the right time to tenants, and to
offer tailored support for those who need it.

• Through the action plan local authorities will take the lead role to minimise the impacts of
housing benefit changes at a local level.

• This will require close partnership working between housing teams, and housing benefit
teams.

• Partnerships with housing and support providers will also be important.

• Utilising the resource of empty properties will become increasingly important in
developing additional options for homeless households.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 34

“I didn’t know that so
many situations can
arise from being
homeless”
Young person
Until It’s Gone
2011 Tour
Evaluation

35 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Young People

The consultation process to develop Youth homelessness will be addressed Young People
Lincolnshire’s Homelessness Strategy 2012 through developing a clear pathway out of
– 2016 identified young people as the service homelessness and by establishing actions
user group most vulnerable to homelessness along this pathway to help us improve services.
across Lincolnshire due to difficulties in accessing
suitable affordable accommodation, and lack of This pathway and action plan will focus on five
service provision together with the need to key areas;
develop skills to maintain a tenancy.
• Underpinning Strategic Priorities
The issues facing young people are also
compounded by widespread funding cuts, • Early Intervention and Prevention
reductions in services, and changes to the
welfare system. • Prevention at the Point of Crisis

There is a clear need to emphasise this service • Support and Stabilisation
user group as a priority.
• Resettlement
The cuts in welfare benefits have hit young
people in a number of ways. Parents are finding Strategic approach
their entitlements could fall if they have grown
up children staying on longer in the family home A County Youth Housing Coordinator post has
and are therefore more likely to ask them to been created to work in partnership with Housing
leave. and Children Services and bring teams closer
together to improve services for homeless 16/17
Difficulties for young people can also be seen year olds.
with the growing problem of youth unemployment
and reductions in the benefits young people can Understanding youth homelessness is key to
claim for themselves. ensuring that we have a good understanding of
the causes of youth homelessness and the
Consistently, one of the main reasons for youth needs of young people and their families that
homelessness across Lincolnshire is that parents we come into contact with.
are no longer willing or able to accommodate
them. Accommodation Provision

This demonstrates the need for a focus on Lincolnshire Authorities believe bed and breakfast
preventing homelessness and creating accommodation is not suitable for young people
sustainable housing options for young people. and are committed to developing greater volume
and diversity in emergency and longer term
Partnership working is needed to meet the accommodation options.
needs of 16/17 year olds at risk of homelessness
Plans for the future
Children’s Services and Housing Authorities are • Prevent youth homelessness and
committed to working together to meet the
needs of young people across Lincolnshire and tenancy sustainment.
will support families to stay together where it is • Further develop partnership working
safe to do so.
between Children’s Services and
Housing.
• Work to mitigate the impact of welfare
reform for young people.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 36

“I’m happy with
how things are going
now. It can be hard to do
when you are on the streets
so long but when chances like
this come along to better yourself you
have to take them. My hope for the future
is that I can be self sufficient and live
independently again, I’d like also to return to
work
Former Rough Sleeper Lincolnshire

37 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Rough Sleeping

The reasons for homelessness are complex Funding Rough Sleeping
which is why it is so important to work
together; sharing skills, expertise and supporting In March 2011 the sub region of Lincolnshire
one another, to tackle complex issues to meet and Rutland were granted £70,000 from the
the needs of each person and household in dCLG to tackle the issue of rough sleeping.
need of our services. £20,000 was allocated to support the Crime
Reduction Initiative (CRI) in the districts of
Lincolnshire is a county of contrasts with pockets Boston and South Holland and £50,000 was
of wealth however, equally there are pockets of allocated to develop a countywide approach to
deprivation including people who are sleeping tackling rough sleeping.
rough.
Lincolnshire and Rutland commissioned a partner
The 2011 Autumn Rough Sleeper Return agency to actively reduce rough sleeping across
recorded 42 people sleeping rough Lincolnshire and Rutland.
across Lincolnshire and Rutland
To bolster the initial £50,000 grant funding an
In September 2010 the Government overhauled innovative approach was applied to extend the
the way local authorities assess the number of funding, though supporting a bid to the
people sleeping rough. To accurately assess the Homelessness Transition Fund.
scale of the problem the definition of rough
sleeping was widened. This was successful and in December 2011
Framework were awarded £247,111 over three
People sleeping, about to bed down years which will ensure the sustainability of the
(sitting on/in or standing next to their project.
bedding) or actually bedded down in the
open air (such as on the streets, in The project will develop a rough sleeper street
tents, doorways, parks, bus shelters or outreach service specifically targeting the
principles of the Government’s vision to end
encampments). rough sleeping; ‘No Second Night Out Nationwide’
People in buildings or other places not which pledges to ensure:
designed for habitation (such as stairwells,
barns, sheds, car parks, cars, derelict • No-one new to the streets should spend a
second night out
boats, stations, or “bashes”).
• No-one should live on the streets
All local authorities are now required to provide
a street count or an estimate following consultation • No-one should return to the streets once
with local homelessness agencies to assess the they have been helped off the streets
number of people sleeping rough in their area
on a single night between 1 October and 30 • No-one should arrive on the streets
November each year.
The project aims to:

• Encourage members of the public to play
an active role by reporting and referring
people sleeping rough.

• Help rough sleepers to access a place of
safety where their needs can be quickly

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 38

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

assessed and they can receive advice on • Reconnect rough sleepers back to their local
their options. communities unless there is a good reason
why they cannot return.
• Assist rough sleepers to access emergency
accommodation and other services, such as
healthcare, if needed.

Plans for the future

• dCLG has made £20 million available to local authorities to ensure front line provision to
prevent homelessness for non priority households and to further enhance provision to end rough
sleeping.

The sub region of Lincolnshire and Rutland has received an allocation of £259,000 to develop
initiatives which will include:

• Tailored advice and assistance as appropriate to prevent or resolve homelessness, also to
be clearly set out in writing for the customer

• An offer of suitable accommodation if required

• Access to/linked into any additional support needed

As a requirement of this funding the dCLG require an action plan setting out what
actions will be taken to prevent non priority single homelessness and rough sleeping.

These actions are shown in action plan as sub regional grant priorities.

• We need to be able to identify new rough sleepers and reconnect them to their communities.

• To do so we will need to develop a Rough Sleeper and Outreach Service and rough
sleeper reporting mechanism to operate across Lincolnshire and Rutland 2012 – 2015.

• There is a need to facilitate access into the private rented sector through partnership working
with private landlords and explore options for the development of a specific rent deposit
scheme for non priority households and rough sleepers.

• It is recognised that rough sleepers tend to gravitate towards Boston, Lincoln and East
Lindsey, therefore resources will be targeted towards reducing rough sleeping in these
hotspot areas.

• However, all Lincolnshire authorities including Rutland will benefit from the project to reduce
rough sleeping in their districts.

39 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Move On

Move On is the overarching theme of our This reduction in funding highlights why the
strategy with the aim of providing accessible strategy needs to continue to inform and
and supported pathways to independent living shape the commissioning of any new or existing
for all service users and encouraging future services to meet the needs of homeless
independence. households across Lincolnshire.

Housing related support continues to be provided The demand for accommodation to enable
through floating support services or through move on from supported housing to the social
accommodation based supported housing or private rented sector is high.
schemes.
Each local authority has specific challenges in
Short term supported housing schemes funded accessing move on accommodation (low local
by Lincolnshire Public Health Directorate housing allowance rates, availability, poor
(Supporting People) provide support for quality, limited security of tenure, environmental
individuals for up to two years. restrictions on planning, tenancy sustainment
and churn in the private rented sector).
The aims of the service are to support individuals
to move on to independent living or increase their Analysis of move on data has shown particular
ability to live independently. barriers for young people and single people with
support needs.
The Lincolnshire Public Health Directorate
commissions short terms accommodation Plans for the future
services for a number of client groups:
• We need to work together to
• Young people at risk increase accommodation options for
young people.
• Young people with complex needs
• We need to extend prevention initiatives
• Single homeless with support needs to include non statutory single
homeless households.
• Homeless families with support needs
• Good quality affordable, safe housing
• People with substance misuse problems is essential to our wellbeing and work
ing together to address barriers to
• Women fleeing domestic abuse move on.

• People with mental health problems

• Offenders/those at risk of offending

• Teenage parents

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review
[2010] the levels of funding have reduced
across a number of public services.

The budget for housing related support services
in Lincolnshire will see a year on year decrease
from £19.8m in 2010/11 to a planned £15.1m in
2013/14.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 40

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Resources & Funding

Our future long term strategy will need to 50% increase in their Homelessness Grant for
focus more heavily on the prevention of 2009/10. This level of grant is guaranteed for
homelessness and being innovative in our joint 2012/13 and is likely to be set at a similar level
working to tackling and preventing homelessness. for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

It is imperative that we have sufficient resources Although all grants remain un-ring fenced, the
in the Homelessness Services across Government has made a clear commitment to
Lincolnshire to respond to this demand. protecting and increasing the grant for homeless
prevention and is keen to see the grant used for
The resources to deliver the strategy to prevent this purpose.
and tackle homelessness will primarily come
from dCLG Homelessness Prevention Grant The table below shows the prevention grants
and Lincolnshire Public Health Funding. that were paid to Lincolnshire authorities during
the life of the strategy 2008 – 2012 and for the
Lincolnshire authorities have seen almost a current financial year.

Authority 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/12 Amount
Boston £40,000 £41,050 £61,000 £61,000 £61,000 Retained 2012/13
East Lindsey £50,000 £51,050 £77,000 £99,000 £99,000
City of Lincoln £72,000 £73,050 £73,050 £130,270 £130,270 Full Grant
North Kesteven £55,000 £56,050 £78,470 £78,470 £78,470 Full Grant
South Holland £45,000 £46,050 £46,050 £78,470 £78,470 Full Grant
South Kesteven £55,000 £56,050 £56,050 £106,470 £106,470 Full Grant
West Lindsey £30,000 £31,050 £64,470 £64,470 £64,470 £48,000
Full Grant
Full Grant

In addition to the preventing homelessness grant, each local authority has also received grant
funding with the specific purpose of preventing repossessions in their district.

Authority Preventing Court Desk Total Further Grant funding from
Boston Repossession Allocation dCLG may be received to
Fund Allocation £48,500 deliver specific projects
£18,500 £50,314 throughout the life of the
£30,000 £0 £48.500 strategy.
£30,000
East Lindsey £50,314 £18,500 £36,742
£0 £67,843
City of Lincoln £30,000 £0 £30,000
£0 £311,899
North Kesteven £30,000 £0

South Holland £36,742 £37,000

South Kesteven £67,843

West Lindsey £30,000

Total £274,899

41 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Monitoring the Strategy

The Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy For further information
Group (LHSG) is the body that brings
together agencies across Lincolnshire that Chair of the Lincolnshire Homelessness
support homeless and vulnerable people and Strategy Group
will deliver and monitor the actions of the strategy. Michelle Howard
Email: [email protected]
The LHSG will re-establish and refocus local Home Choices Team Manager
homelessness forums. Groups will focus on West Lindsey District Council
local homelessness issues and work towards Guildhall
achieving the relevant strategic priorities Marshalls Yard
outlined in the action plan. Gainsborough
DN21 2NA
The strategy covers a five year period (2012 – Tel: 01427 676609
2016). To ensure that the strategy is relevant
and meaningful in preventing homeless across Sarah Shaw
Lincolnshire additional actions may evolve and Email: [email protected]
be integrated into the existing action plan to Sub Regional Homelessness Strategy Officer
ensure a flexible approach. West Lindsey District Council
Guildhall
Review of achievements against the strategy Marshalls Yard
and action plan will be monitored annually by Gainsborough
the Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy Group. DN21 2NA
Tel: 01427 676582
Homelessness Strategy monitoring mechanisms:
Visit the website at www.west-
• Lincolnshire Homelessness Group – lindsey.gov.uk/residents/housing/housing-ad-
monthly meetings vice-and-homelessness/homelessness-groups

• Local homelessness forums

• e-Newsletter

• Action plan update – Annually

• Performance measures – P1E Statutory
Homelessness data

• Strategic Housing Partnership – half yearly
updates

• Rough Sleeper Street Outreach quarterly
report

• Rough Sleeping Annual Return

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 42

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Glossary of Terms

2 Tier Authorities are made up of a county Housing authorities carry out statutory housing
council and district councils functions including housing allocations,
The responsibility is split between the two levels: homelessness and housing advice and these
obligations are retained by a Local Authority
County Council: regardless of whether it is stock owning or has
Education, social services, farming and contracted out these functions.
agriculture, trading standards, waste, strategic
land planning and use, highways and transport Housing advice teams officers that carry out
the housing and homelessness function of the
District Council: housing authority.
Housing, parks, sport and arts, land use and
planning permission, environmental health, Homeless Link is a national membership
waste collection and recycling and street cleaning charity for organisations working directly with
homeless people in England. It works to improve
Choice Based Lettings An applicant led services for homeless people and campaign for
allocation scheme under which social landlords policy changes that will help end homelessness.
advertise available properties and applicants bid
for them. Applicants are allocated a band Homes and Communities Agency The Homes
depending on their level of need and the and Community Agency is the national housing
applicant with the highest band who has been and regeneration delivery agency for England.
on the list the longest will be allocated the property.

DCLG Department for Communities and Local LHSG Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy
Government sets policy on local government, Group is the body that brings together agencies
housing, urban regeneration, planning and fire across Lincolnshire to support homeless and
and rescue. It has responsibility for all race and vulnerable people and deliver the actions of the
equality and community cohesion related issues strategy.
in England and for building regulations, fire
safety and some housing issues in England and Lincolnshire Public Health Directorate a
Wales. government scheme, administered by councils,
offering people the opportunity to improve their
Foyer affordable and safe accommodation for quality of life, by providing support services and
young people linked to employment and training enabling them to live more independent lives in
opportunities. the community.

43 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Lincolnshire Local Authorities Registered Provider Independent Housing
Association registered with the Homes and
Boston, East Lindsey, Lincoln, North Kesteven, Communities Agency.
South Holland, South Kesteven and West Lindsey.

Move On a move from supported housing to Sub Region Local authority areas closely linked
independent living encouraging future by geographical area and grouped together to
independence. carry out specific activities.

Mortgage rescue scheme is a government Third sector Non government organisations
scheme providing a safety net if you are with cultural and social and environmental
struggling to stay in your own home. objectives.

National Treatment Agency is an NHS special Voluntary sector not for profit group, whose
health authority established to improve availability activities are carried out for the benefit of the
and capacity of effective drug treatment in community.
England.

Nightstop emergency housing for young people.

No wrong door – an approach to ensure all
partners are working together and the applicant
only has to approach one agency for all available
support.

Prevention Homelessness prevention is where
a local authority takes positive action to provide
housing assistance to someone who considers
him or herself to be at risk of homelessness in
the near future, and as a result the person is
able to remain in their existing accommodation
or obtain alternative accommodation, providing
a solution for at least the next six months.

Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 44

Homelessness Strategy
2012 – 2016

Useful Links & References

The National Homelessness Advice Service Benefit cap calculator
(NHAS) www.nhas.org.uk http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenef-
its/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Begin-
Offers advice agencies the specialist support nersGuideToBenefits/DG_201734
and professional resources to give appropriate
and accurate housing advice

Homelessness Link www.homeless.org.uk offers
advice agencies specialist support and
professional resources

Vision to End Rough Sleeping - No second night
out nationwide July 2011 http://www.communi-
ties.gov.uk/publications/housing/visionendrough-
sleeping

Rough Sleeping Returns - This release provides
national and regional information on rough
sleeping counts and estimates carried out by
local authorities between 1 October and 30
November 2011 www.communities.gov.uk/publi-
cations/housing/roughsleepingautumn2011

Guidance to Children’s Services and district
housing authorities about Provision of
Accommodation for 16 and 17 year old young
people who may be homeless and /or require
accommodation www.communities.gov.uk/publi-
cations/housing/homelesssixteenseventeen

Making Every Contact Count August 2012

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/hou
sing/makingeverycontactcount

Lincolnshire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/JHWS

45 Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2012 - 2016

Priority Areas Prevention
Partnership working
Welfare & Policy reform
Young People
Rough Sleeping

* Overarching Priority ‘Move On’ built into each priority area

Priority 1 Prevention - Early intervention and prevention play an important role in tackling homelessness. By being innovative in our approach to
finding prevention opportunities we can ensure that those who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless can access appropriate advice,
assistance and suitable accommodation. This priority focuses on maximising opportunities for people at risk of homelessness to sustain their
accommodation, and relieving homelessness at the earliest opportunity.

This priority also incorporates actions made possible through the dCLG Sub Regional Grant Priority to tackle and prevent single homelessness. Actions
resourced by additional dCLG grant funding (Lincolnshire – Rutland sub region) identified within action plan as ‘Sub Regional Grant Priority’

46 What we will do? How will we do it? When will we do Who will help? What will success Resources
it? look like? Sub Regional
Develop resources and Develop and maintain  Led by Sub Regional Grant Priority
information for practitioners a comprehensive multi- 31 March 2013 Homelessness  Comprehensive
and customers across agency directory of Strategy Officer directory of services Sub Regional
Lincolnshire and Rutland services and resources 31 December 2013 and resources Grant Priority
that can be used by  Public Health developed and
practitioners across (formally Supporting reviewed annually Sub Regional
Lincolnshire and People) Grant Priority
Rutland to signpost  Customers
customers to the  All Lincolnshire signposted to the right
services they need Housing Authorities services to meet their
(Lincolnshire – needs
Raise awareness of Rutland sub region)
the universal nature of Successful campaign
homelessness by Led by Sub Regional including media, social
carrying out a ‘breaking Homelessness media and other
the myths’ campaign Strategy Officer information sharing
and homelessness Public Health (formally mechanisms such as
roadshow Supporting People) bus advertising, waste
All Lincolnshire vehicle advertising
Develop and promote 31 December 2012 Housing Authorities
the LHSG website for (Lincolnshire – Website up and
customers Rutland sub region) running, organisations
Led by Sub Regional are aware of the
Homelessness
Strategy Officer

47 What we will do? How will we do it? When will we do Who will help? What will success Resources
it? look like?
Implement a No Wrong Door Develop the LHSG Sub Regional Sub Regional
Model across Lincolnshire website ‘practitioner 31 December 2012 Homelessness website and can sign Grant Priority
and Rutland to address and page’ Strategy Officer post to it
prevent homelessness for 30 June 2013 Website in place and Sub Regional
non priority households, Develop a range of Sub Regional service providers are Grant Priority
ensuring that all homeless literature in line with 31 December 2012 Homelessness aware and use and
people approaching an the priorities and for set up and Strategy Officer contribute to the Sub Regional
authority receive assistance actions of the LHSG for throughout the life of website Grant Priority
customers and the strategy Sub Regional Literature developed Sub Regional
practitioners End 2012 and Homelessness and printed. Raised Grant Priority
Produce quarterly e- throughout the life of Strategy Officer awareness of the
newsletters for the strategy project Sub Regional
practitioners Sub Regional Grant Priority
March 2013 and Homelessness e-newsletters focused
Explore the use of throughout life of the Strategy Officer on the priorities of the Sub Regional
social media to raise strategy strategy and circulated Grant Priority
awareness and  All Lincolnshire quarterly
promote the work of December 2012 and Housing Authorities Widely promoted
the LHSG throughout life of the (Lincolnshire – launch on face book
Ensure that all non strategy Rutland sub region) and twitter pages
priority households
who are homeless or at  Led by Sub  Increase in Non
risk of homelessness, Regional priority households
approaching an Homelessness helped
authority for assistance Strategy Officer
are offered advice,  Decrease in
support and access to  Homeless Link homelessness
accommodation  dCLG
 Led by Sub Regional  Increase in non
Introduce standard priority households
letters and action Homelessness helped
planning mechanism to Strategy Officer
enable tailored advice  All Lincolnshire  Decrease in
and action plan for Housing Authorities homelessness
each customer. This (Lincolnshire –
should be confirmed in Rutland sub region)  Increased
homelessness

What we will do? How will we do it? When will we do Who will help? What will success Resources
it? look like?
writing for the customer  Homeless Link Sub Regional
to take away  dCLG prevention Grant Priority
 Letter and action plan
Where appropriate and Throughout the life Led by Sub Regional
suitable provide of the strategy Homelessness template in place
assistance with travel Strategy Officer
to households to 31 December 2014  Consistent approach
enable access to taken by all Local
appropriate 31 December 2012 Authorities
accommodation to
prevent or relieve  Criteria in place for
homelessness when to issue
warrants for all to
Develop a protocol in work to
partnership with
48 Develop robust procedures Lincolnshire hospitals  All Lincolnshire Protocol developed with Sub Regional
for supporting, assessing to prevent Housing Authorities the aim of no one being Grant Priority
and accommodating people homelessness through (Lincolnshire – discharged from
leaving hospital joint working Rutland sub region) hospital to the streets or Sub Regional
inappropriate Grant Priority
Develop a consistent Review existing bond  Lincolnshire accommodation
approach to offering rent schemes countywide to Hospitals Sub Regional
deposits for non priority understand effective  Increase number of Grant Funding
households, based on and value for money All Lincolnshire tenancies established
existing best practice ways of working Housing Authorities and sustained in the
models (Lincolnshire – private rented sector
Rutland sub region)
Explore the extension 31 December 2014  Understand the best
of current rent deposit 31 December 2013 All Lincolnshire approach to a deposit
schemes to incorporate Housing Authorities guarantee scheme
non priority households 31 December 2015 (Lincolnshire –
Rutland sub region) Non-priority households
Explore the options for All Lincolnshire can access the deposit
development and Housing Authorities guarantee schemes
administration of a (Lincolnshire –
specific rent deposit Rutland sub region) Non-priority households Sub Regional
scheme for rough can access the deposit Grant Priority
sleepers and non guarantee schemes
priority households
All Lincolnshire  PRS properties let Sub Regional
Explore options for Housing Authorities with Deposit Grant Priority
ensuring that all PRS (Lincolnshire – Guarantees are
properties secured

What we will do? How will we do it? When will we do Who will help? What will success Resources
it? Rutland sub region) look like?
Support households across through rent deposit  Mortgage
Lincolnshire and Rutland schemes meet the Throughout the life  Lead Provider - inspected and meet Rescue Scheme
facing eviction and required HHSRS of the strategy Waterloo the HHSRS standard
repossession through standard  One practitioner  Preventing
financial difficulty to remain  NHAS trained in each district Repossession
in their home Actively promote,  Homes and Fund
through Housing  Stabilise households
Options case work, Community Agency financial situation
opportunities to  All Lincolnshire
prevent homelessness  Homeowners
through the Mortgage Housing Authorities prevented from losing
Rescue Scheme their home

49 Establish a mechanism Throughout the life  Increase in homeless
for households who of the strategy preventions for people
have benefited from with rent/mortgage
the Mortgage Rescue 31 December 2014 arrears
Scheme to contact L/A
if now vulnerable as a  Effective use of
result of HB changes housing stock

Understand and  Increase in
develop debt advice homelessness
provision across prevention
Lincolnshire and
Ensure households across Rutland  Led by Sub Regional  Increased awareness Sub Regional
Lincolnshire and Rutland Homelessness and access to debt Grant Priority
are able to access timely Strategy Officer advice
debt advice Sub Regional
 Public Health  Analysis of provision
Develop links with 31 December 2014 (formally Supporting across Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Credit People) and inclusion in a
Union and actively directory of services
promote and monitor  All Lincolnshire
access Housing Authorities Improved financial
(Lincolnshire – stability
Promote the free court Throughout the life Rutland sub region)
 Increased awareness
 Led by Sub Regional
Homelessness
Strategy Officer

 Public Health
(formally Supporting
People)

 All Lincolnshire
Housing Authorities

 Led by Sub Regional