Everyone rough sleeping in Lancaster district has been offered accommodation, says council leader

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: "Protecting and supporting the most vulnerable people in our district is central to the work of the city council.

“Our homelessness team and partners have worked hard to encourage everyone rough sleeping in the district to take up the offer of temporary accommodation.

"Given the urgency of this work, people were placed in a range of accommodation including council housing, supported housing, social housing and local hotels.

"The work to find accommodation continues as new people present themselves to the council as needing urgent help at this unsettling time."

Coun Lewis said that council staff are in daily contact with every individual housed, and that officers are carrying out welfare checks to make sure they have a good supply of essential items, food and financial support.

She said: "We also continue to work to get everyone access to the specialist services they may need, including those specialising in drug and alcohol addiction and mental health."

Councillor Caroline Jackson, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “Ideally, everyone who has been housed at this time would remain housed once the current crisis passes.

"However, this will be very difficult to do.

"Some residents have only accepted housing because of the crisis.

"Some of the temporary solutions, such as hotel accommodation are not suitable long-term, and the government has yet to commit to additional long-term funding for this work.

"The district's response to the current crisis has been built on collaboration and partnership, to continue this the city council will convene the first meeting of the council’s Housing and Homelessness Advisory Group on Thursday, May 7.

"The main item on the agenda will be to discuss what steps can be taken to make a significant difference to homelessness in the Lancaster district as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Anyone with a particular interest in homelessness who might like to get involved in discussions should contact me via email to [email protected].“

Anyone worried about someone who might be rough sleeping and perhaps not known to the council, can contact our housing options team in the following ways:

• Call 01524 582257 during office hours (9am – 5pm - Monday to Friday)

• Out of office hours and weekends call 01524 67099

• Email [email protected]

• Via StreetLink’s 24/7 phone line 0300 500 0914 or online at www.streetlink.org.uk

Residents who think they may be in danger of becoming homeless should contact the council as soon as possible using the same number and email address and someone will be available to help them take preventative measures to avoid losing their homes.

If you’re a victim of domestic violence, call Lancashire Victim Services on 0300 323 0085 or visit www.lancashirevictimservices.org for guidance.

For more information on other support services available for people who are struggling at this challenging time, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/coronavirus