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Flintshire County Council reports significant demand on homelessness and housing support services

Published: 12/07/2023

Flintshire County Council’s Housing & Prevention Service has reported a substantial increase in the number of people contacting the service for help over the last 12 months as more people become homeless.

The cost-of-living crisis, difficult housing market conditions and lack of affordable housing are factors placing an unprecedented demand on services and creating significant budget challenges.

The Housing & Prevention Service aim to prevent homelessness by providing interventions and support, taking a proactive approach in providing emergency housing and support to people where prevention work is unsuccessful, or there is no opportunity to prevent someone from becoming homelessness.  

Despite all the excellent work undertaken by the Council and its partners to prevent homelessness, the demand for emergency housing is increasing and placing a huge strain on resources.  Discussing the significant demand on the Housing & Prevention Service, Chief Officer for Housing & Communities, Vicky Clark said:

“The Council and its housing partners provide social housing for people in Flintshire.  There is a significant increase in demand, and we do not have enough homes to meet the needs of people in our communities, and those at risk of homelessness.

Startlingly a recent national report by the Bevan Foundation looking at affordability of housing across Wales found that only 59 private rental homes were available in Flintshire during February 2023, none of which were charging rent that would be affordable for people solely reliant on universal credit or housing benefits.  

Despite the significant demand on our services, we remain committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing to meet the needs of those who are homeless and to meet the needs of everyone who has difficulties with their housing situation, and we are working closely with our housing partners on ambitious plans to build more homes - but of course this takes time.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Sean Bibby, added:

“When people are homeless or at risk of homelessness, we will ensure housing support is offered as well as any other support needs identified.  

One person or one family experiencing homelessness is one too many, and it is extremely concerning that the number of people experiencing homelessness is growing.  That said, this issue is not unique to Flintshire, the UK is facing a housing crisis.  

The Housing & Prevention Service in Flintshire offer an excellent service 24/7 to help avoid people becoming homeless, but the challenge is significant and there is often little or no chance of preventing homeless for some people.

It is a challenging role for officers, the tools available to us to prevent homelessness are wide ranging and include mediation, tenancy support, budgeting advice, rent rescue packages, rent top ups, family support.

Of course this comes at a significant cost, but this is the right thing to do, and we are committed to supporting people who need our help”.

Further information about how the Housing & Prevention Service can help, visit https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Housing/Housing-and-Prevention/Homeless-or-At-Risk-of-Homelessness.aspx