The strategy will also look to deal with other housing-related issues over the next five years.
The strategy has three main priorities: prevent homelessness and eradicate rough sleeping; provide more affordable and social homes; and provide better homes. As part of the strategy key performance indicators are set to be agreed to measure progress against targets. It is expected that a progress report will be given before the end of this year.
Various consultation events were held including a survey of 150 previous customers of the housing services, workshops with councillors and the homeless forum and one-to-one feedback sessions.
As part of the strategy 200 new council homes will be delivered including temporary accommodation, starter units for young people and homes for larger families. The standard of housing is also being targeted by addressing restrictive practices, and ensuring compliance with the design code.
Data also suggests that 2,200 families across the district are living in unsuitable housing. Additionally over the last 12 months, the housing register has grown from 518 to 591 households.
The evidence base also suggests that the main reason for homelessness and rough sleeping is being asked to leave by family, which has been the case since 2019. Access to temporary accommodation has been a challenge for Lichfield with many residents being allocated accommodation in neighbouring areas.
In an attempt to tackle this Lichfield District Council has become a registered provider and has purchased or acquired 12 properties for use as temporary accommodation. Despite this, the waiting time to move into a permanent home from temporary accommodation is 鈥榮ubstantial’.