Task force set up to tackle homelessness in Edinburgh

A homelessness task force has been created by the City of Edinburgh Council to investigate the growing problem in the city.

Chaired by the Homelessness Champion, councillor Kate Campbell, the task force will review the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and explore alternatives that could better meet the needs of individuals and families, with an aim to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation.

The Housing and Economy Committee has approved the remit and membership of the new task force which will now undertake evidence gathering covering areas such as: reviewing costs of existing temporary accommodation and provide costs for potential alternatives; assessing complexity of service users needs; examining the suitability of existing temporary accommodation options; analysis of additional temporary accommodation required to eliminate the use of bed and breakfast accommodation; identifying council properties which could be developed to provide temporary or move on accommodation; establishing what works, reviewing cases where successful outcomes have been achieved; and analysis of the impact of current and future welfare reform.

The task force shares common goals with the National Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, announced in September 2017, and through the Housing and Economy Committee will contribute to pilots and initiatives delivered by the Action Group.

Gavin Barrie, housing and economy convener councillor, said: “Our homelessness services are facing unprecedented pressures, with demand for both permanent and temporary accommodation exceeding supply. Addressing these pressures requires a city-wide partnership approach to ensure that workable solutions are found.

“The council’s focus on prevention and early intervention has seen an overall reduction in homelessness presentations. However, as a result of welfare reform, a lack of affordable housing options and a growing population there has been an increase in the amount of time people spend in temporary accommodation.

“I’m positive that the establishment of this dedicated task force will be an important step forward in looking at alternatives to our current system and our shared goal of reducing homelessness and I look forward to their first update in the New Year.”

Kate Campbell, chair of the task force, said: “Homelessness is a major issue facing the city. There is a financial cost which we can ill afford, but there is also a human cost which is why a key coalition pledge was to put in place this task force.

"There is an enormous amount of work to be done but we are determined to come up with bold solutions which prevent homelessness, tackle rough sleeping, and improve the quality of temporary accommodation.

"This won’t be easy but I am delighted that there is a real determination among the members of the task force to leave politics at the door and work constructively together to improve outcomes, and ultimately improve lives.”