Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Borough were today successful in persuading the council to press for “Housing First” schemes to help those who are homeless or vulnerably housed.

“Housing First” is a nationally and internationally proven approach to help such people maintain tenancies, improve their health, and avoid offending over the long term. Housing First providers offer long-term and intense support to clients, with a track record of improving engagement with support services and 80-90% rates of sustaining tenancies.

Lib Dem Cllr Karen King, who leads the Lib Dem Group, proposed the motion and said:
“Housing First type systems give homeless people somewhere to live without asking questions in the initial stages. This approach recognises that housing often needs to be in place before people can begin to address other issues in their lives.”

“I am delighted the motion has been accepted and passed with cross party support. I look forward to the responses from the secretary of state and local MP’s in our request for additional funding to help the council achieve its aims to support some of the most vulnerable members in society.”

Cllr Alison Barnes, Lib Dem member for Zetland Ward, added:
“Investment in “Housing First” is good value-for-money for tax-payers, our communities, and people with multiple and complex needs. A study by the charity Crisis suggests that every £1 spent on Housing First saves tax-payers £1.24 in the long term, reducing demands on the NHS, policing, benefits, and local government – as well as improving individuals’ lives. An analysis of a pilot scheme in Greater Manchester suggested more than £2.50 would be saved from public services for every £1 invested in Housing First.”