Strategic vision and why we need a strategy

The strategy will run from 2025 to 2030 and sets out our vision and priorities for a partnership approach to tackling homelessness across Cumberland. 

We want to deliver meaningful and lasting change. Our draft vision for the strategy is ending homelessness together by driving quality outcomes, prevention and empowerment to support sustainable housing solutions.

Why we need a strategy

The Housing Act 1996 (Homelessness Act 2002) requires local authorities to carry out a detailed review of homelessness in their area and then create and publish a Homelessness Strategy based on the findings. The aims for these are:

• identifying action that can be taken to prevent homelessness
• providing suitable services and accommodation for people who are, or may become homeless
• supporting people who are homeless or potentially homeless, and those who were formally homeless and need support, to prevent them from becoming homeless again
• identifying the resources available and required to achieve the above

The law highlights the importance of different agencies working together. It requires local housing authorities, adult social care, and children's services to cooperate. It also encourages them to consult and collaborate with other public bodies like health authorities, the police, private landlords, and voluntary organisations when reviewing and creating the strategy.