East Kent Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013

Foreword

Welcome to the first East Kent Homelessness Strategy.

The Homelessness Act 2002 placed a statutory duty on all local authorities to publish their first homelessness strategy, based on a full review of homelessness in their area, by 31 July 2003. The Act also requires that, following a further review of homelessness, these strategies be updated within a five-year period.

The four East Kent authorities of Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet each published individual homelessness strategies in 2003. However, they have a strong track record in joint working and they have worked together, and with other agencies and service users, to tackle homelessness across East Kent.

Although a considerable amount has been achieved in the last five years, homelessness remains a significant problem in East Kent. Increasing house prices and high rents exclude many households from the private sector, and the supply of new affordable homes has so far been outstripped by sales of existing Council accommodation under the Right to Buy.

This strategy will strengthen the sub-regional approach that has underpinned many of the achievements to date. It will build on past successes and existing partnerships, without losing sight of district-specific priorities.

It has been developed in consultation with partners, stakeholders and service users, and it reflects the broader strategic priorities that have been identified within national, regional and sub-regional housing policy.

We welcome the views of service users, partners, stakeholders and members of the East Kent community on this Homelessness Strategy please let us know what you think. You can contact any of the four East Kent authorities. The relevant staff and their contact details are listed at appendix 8.

Councillor Tony Austin

Portfolio Holder for Housing

Canterbury City Council

Councillor Mrs Sue Nicholas

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community

Dover District Council

Councillor Mrs Keren Belcourt

District Secretary for Housing

Shepway District Council

Councillor Chris Wells

Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing

Thanet District Council