North Devon MP Urges Government for Urgent Homeless Support
UPDATE: North Devon MP Ian Roome is calling for immediate and substantial government intervention to support the homeless, following the announcement of £9.1 million in funding for the South West region. Roome emphasized that while local council efforts are commendable, the government must provide “real support” for long-term solutions.
This urgent plea comes as North Devon faces a rising homelessness crisis. Recent figures reveal that from January to March 2023, North Devon Council dealt with more homelessness inquiries than Exeter, yet placed fewer individuals into temporary accommodation. Roome noted that this discrepancy highlights the need for effective long-term strategies, rather than temporary fixes.
Roome praised the council’s proactive approach to reducing reliance on costly temporary accommodations such as hotels and bed and breakfasts. Instead, they are utilizing a council tax premium on second homes to reintegrate properties into the housing market, which funds vital local services.
“They’re doing everything they can, but they can’t do it alone… the Government must step up with real support,” Roome stated.
The emotional impact of this issue is profound. Roome expressed concern for families and children who face the harsh reality of winter without a safe, warm home. He stressed the necessity for a comprehensive homelessness strategy from the government, supporting local councils like North Devon Council to cut down on temporary accommodations and facilitate more sustainable housing solutions.
“Our housing team works hard on prevention, but high rents, limited one-bedroom supply, and under-35 rules are boxing people out of options,” Roome added. He reiterated the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to advocating for the construction of 150,000 social homes annually and the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions.
As of October 2023, approximately 2,147 households were registered with Devon Home Choice, categorized by urgency from A to E. Notably, around 23% of applicants were in the higher-priority bands, A to D, indicating severe needs, including overcrowding and impending homelessness.
This issue is part of a broader national crisis, with nearly 170,000 children currently living in temporary accommodation across England. Local councils are facing escalating costs, projected to reach £2.8 billion for temporary housing in 2024-25, up from £2.3 billion the previous year.
As these developments unfold, all eyes are on the government to take decisive action. The call for urgency is clear: North Devon’s local authorities need the backing and resources to combat homelessness effectively. The community awaits the government’s response, as winter approaches and the stakes continue to rise.
