Southampton, a bustling city on the south coast of England, is grappling with a staggering increase in rough sleepers, with numbers tripling in just one year, according to the latest findings from Southampton City Council’s new homelessness strategy report. The report, which sheds light on the pressing issue, suggests a myriad of factors contributing to the surge, including the impact of the government’s rough sleeper scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Comparing the figures of 2021, where nine individuals were identified as rough sleepers, to the alarming figure of 27 in 2022, the stark rise has sent shockwaves through the local community. Even more concerning is that the 2022 statistic is a considerable jump from the 10-year average of 20 rough sleepers recorded between 2010 and 2022. These statistics, based on a single-night rough sleeper count, underscore the urgency of addressing the growing crisis in Southampton.
One plausible explanation for the sudden spike in numbers is the government’s initiative to provide shelter during the height of the pandemic. While this scheme undoubtedly provided a temporary solution for those in need, it seems to have inadvertently contributed to a surge in homelessness once the immediate crisis abated. The challenge now lies in understanding the root causes and formulating long-term strategies to alleviate the issue.
The report delves into another key metric, the monthly count, which hovered around the 80-mark in 2022. This broader measure, capturing fluctuations throughout the year, paints a more comprehensive picture of the persistent challenges Southampton faces in combating homelessness. It indicates that the issue is not isolated to specific times but is rather a continuous struggle for a significant portion of the population.
Homelessness, however, extends beyond the visibly destitute individuals on the streets. In Southampton, the broader spectrum of homelessness, which includes those without a fixed address, stood at 10.4 for every 1,000 households in 2021/2022 – a stark contrast to the national level of 6.1. This alarming disparity underscores the gravity of the situation, prompting the need for a comprehensive and targeted approach to tackle the multifaceted nature of homelessness in the city.
The report identifies several reasons for Southampton’s higher-than-average homelessness rates. The city, ranked as the 55th most deprived out of 317 local authorities in England, faces challenges related to a shortage of accessible housing. The document attributes this scarcity to a ‘lack of space’ for construction, which has hindered efforts to provide adequate housing solutions for the growing population.
Moreover, the report highlights the prevalence of addiction issues in the city. With 5,355 individuals grappling with alcohol addiction and 1,200 with heroin or crack addiction, Southampton faces the complex challenge of addressing not only housing needs but also the underlying issues contributing to homelessness.
In response to this pressing crisis, Southampton City Council has formulated a new homelessness strategy set to be adopted on December 19, running from 2024 until 2029. The strategy outlines four key priorities aimed at addressing the root causes and providing sustainable solutions.
The first priority, prevention, emphasizes the need to shift from a reactive response to a proactive one. The council aims to reduce individual and population-wide risks of homelessness by creating a more integrated system and providing timely assistance to households at risk at the earliest possible stage.
The second priority, intervention, focuses on providing effective and timely support to alleviate homelessness. The council envisions a better pathway into temporary accommodation and an easily accessible system for individuals seeking advice.
The third priority emphasizes collaboration, with the council pledging to combine skills, resources, and experience to enhance homelessness solutions. Building strong partnerships and developing a cohesive team are seen as essential components in preventing evictions and offering timely assistance to those in need.
The fourth and final priority is housing solutions. The strategy outlines plans to explore new and innovative ways to diversify accommodation and support options in the city. By prioritizing those most in need and improving housing options, the council aims to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, ultimately saving costs in the long run.
The overarching goal of the strategy is to build a city where ‘everybody has a place to call home.’ As Southampton faces this challenging period of increased homelessness, the adoption and implementation of this comprehensive strategy signify a crucial step towards addressing the root causes and providing sustainable solutions for the city’s vulnerable population. Only through collaborative efforts, innovative approaches, and a steadfast commitment to change can Southampton hope to achieve its vision of a city where homelessness is a thing of the past.
