Malvern Hills District Council has initiated a public consultation for its draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, covering the period from 2026 to 2031. This strategy aims to adopt a cooperative framework for preventing homelessness across five key areas: Malvern Hills, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Wychavon, and Wyre Forest.
Goals of the Homelessness Initiative
The main objective of this strategy is to ensure that homelessness becomes rare, brief, and non-recurring when prevention is not possible. Councillor Jennie Watkins, who is responsible for communities and housing, emphasized the importance of early intervention and collaboration among partners to enhance available support.
Key Focus Areas
- Preventing homelessness by tackling root causes
- Providing tailored support for those at highest risk
- Implementing early interventions to avert crises
- Enhancing temporary accommodation options
- Assisting individuals in rebuilding their lives
Supporting Vulnerable Groups
The strategy pays special attention to vulnerable populations, including:
- Children and young people
- Survivors of domestic abuse
- Ex-prisoners
- Veterans
- Care leavers
Integrative Services Approach
A significant aspect of the strategy involves fostering better integration of services across housing, health, social care, education, and the voluntary sector. Other notable objectives include:
- Expanding affordable housing options
- Increasing the availability of quality temporary accommodation
- Halving the current rates of rough sleeping
Engagement Through Consultation
The consultation is open to all residents, but particularly seeks insights from individuals with lived experiences of homelessness or rough sleeping, as well as users of support services and local organizations. Feedback can be provided through an online form available on the council’s website, and the consultation period will remain open until Sunday, May 24, 2026.
