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Housing without adequate support is not a long-term solution

The sector must make a compelling case for increased Supporting People funding, says Michael McDonnell

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Picture: Getty
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Housing without adequate support is not a long-term solution #ukhousing

In March, the new Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham launched a fund to tackle homelessness, saying he wanted to end “the scandal” of rough sleeping across the city region’s 10 boroughs by 2020.

It is a great example of the ambition and targets needed to galvanise thinking, efforts and resources around this enduring issue.

Worryingly, despite best efforts, the problem of homelessness is not diminishing – and even with commitments in the Autumn Budget there remains much to do to ensure everyone has a decent home.

Northern Ireland has the highest comparative level of homelessness in the UK and more than 18,000 households presented themselves as homeless to the Housing Executive in 2015/16 – a staggering figure for a region of 1.8 million people.

Providing housing and support for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness has always been an essential part of Choice Housing’s work.


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Housing supply obviously is something that, quite specifically, we can deal with – but homelessness is more than a housing issue and it is right that we ask what more we can be doing.

Like many associations, we and our partners have looked critically at the role we’re playing and what we need to do better to meet the growing crisis.

“Homelessness is more than a housing issue.”

Supported housing still forms the backbone of our response, providing safe places for people who have been or are at high risk of becoming homeless.

But we have also formed partnerships with specialists who deliver personalised support for individuals with a variety of needs covering health, debt and employability.

Housing without adequate support is not a long-term solution.

The assistance we offer service users has to be flexible and draw on expertise to navigate a multitude of complex issues including family circumstances, mental health problems, long-term drug or alcohol addiction and the reintegration of ex-offenders.

Customers must also have access to the right level of tenancy sustainment support that helps people to remain in their homes.

Associations have a responsibility to identify households that may be struggling to manage their tenancies and intervene early to help sustain their tenancies.

“The vital services that provide support to those without a home are coming under increasing pressure.”

Earlier this year, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive launched its new Homelessness Strategy.

A welcome document, it recognises that the challenges in this region should be met with creativity and targeted resources if we are to realise the vision of ‘ending homelessness together’.

However, the vital services that provide support to those without a home are coming under increasing pressure as the numbers of people in need of support continues to rise.

Though our region still has a Supporting People Programme, the budget for it has not increased in nearly a decade. If we do not continue to make a compelling case for increased funding, then we risk seeing services wither in the face of escalating costs and spiralling need.

In an extremely uncertain budgetary environment, associations and our many valued partners are working hard to deliver the homes and services needed across the UK.

We will continue to play our part and remain eager to do more.

But if we are to really address the homelessness crisis, we will need proper resourcing and a policy imperative that commits to urgent action grounded in meaningful partnership working.

Michael McDonnell, group chief executive, Choice Housing

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