22% drop in homelessness; Fall in people on island streets.Byline: OWEN HUGHES
ANGLESEY has seen a sharp drop in homelessness after the council started a campaign to keep people off the streets. The numbers presenting themselves as homeless has plummeted by 22% in a year. Anglesey council says its pro-active approach has prevented homelessness in 72% of cases and said a private renting scheme has also housed more than 200 families. But the island authority faces funding pressure and will have to increase rents if it wants to maintain the new scheme after the UK Government scrapped the leasing subsidy. Head of Housing Services Rhys Jones Several people share the name Rhys Jones:
He said: "This is excellent news and the success of our housing advice services has undoubtedly played a major part in reducing homelessness here on the island. "Wherever possible we adopt an early intervention ear·ly intervention n. Abbr. EI A process of assessment and therapy provided to children, especially those younger than age 6, to facilitate normal cognitive and emotional development and to prevent developmental disability or delay. approach to try and prevent homelessness before it actually occurs. This is done through providing appropriate advice, signposting and working closely in partnership with other agencies." The numbers presenting as homeless fell from 385 in 2007/08 to 303 in 2008/09. Senior homelessness officer Dylan Rees said: "As well as reducing homelessness, our team is working hard to quickly relocate homeless clients into suitable temporary accommodation, which has meant significant financial savings for the authority. "The county council is also leasing more than 200 properties from private landlords to provide temporary tenancies to homeless clients who must legally be housed. "With a shortage of council properties these clients would otherwise have to be housed in unsuitable and costly bed and breakfast accommodation." The Treasury has now withdrawn funding for this scheme, forcing the Welsh Assembly Government The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) (Welsh: Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, LlCC) was firstly an executive body of the National Assembly for Wales, consisting of the First Minister and his Cabinet from 1999 to 2007. to fund the project to the end of October. But then the council will have to find alternative funding and also increase the rent for tenants. Housing portfolio holder Cllr William I William I, king of England William I or William the Conqueror, 1027?–1087, king of England (1066–87). Earnest and resourceful, William was not only one of the greatest of English monarchs but a pivotal figure in European Hughes, said: "The proactive approach taken by our homeless team is having a real positive effect on the Island. "By finding suitable accommodation for those in need, we're improving the lives of people across the county." Rhys Jones CAPTION(S): Rhys Jones |
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