A new comprehensive strategy mapping out how the Isle of Wight, will tackle homelessness over the next five years has been endorsed by Isle of Wight Council members.

The Homeless Strategy 2008-1013 will set out key housing-related priorities and details how the authority will set about meeting these needs.

The new strategy will also involve closely working with partners such as private sector landlords and developers to substantially reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation and to address the estimated annual shortfall in affordable units of 1,595.

Members of the IW Council’s Policy Commission for Care, Health and Housing welcomed the strategy – that meets many of the priorities identified as part of the Eco Island vision - at their recent meeting.

Council targets in the document include the annual provision of 180 new affordable homes and a commitment to bringing into use 100 empty properties this year.

To help prevent people losing their homes – particularly in the current uncertain economic climate – the strategy also aims to create a court desk which would give advice to people in danger of losing their homes. The council’s debt advice will also be bolstered.

A commitment to monitor the success of measures is also built in to the strategy.

Introducing the document – the second such five year strategy - councillor Dawn Cousins, IW Council cabinet member for health, housing and wellbeing, said:

Issues around homelessness were a clear priority for the council.

“This strategy sets out clearly just how we intend to work closely with partners to make an impact in this crucial area,”

“Much work has been undertaken to identify particular areas in most need of attention and I am confident that these practical but effective measures will make a real difference.

“There has been considerable momentum build around the successes of the 2003 strategy – particularly the preventative measures we have put in place - but there is still much to do. The new strategy sets out a framework around which we can continue to make inroads.”

An example of recent success in bringing down homelessness has been the drop in the number of families being accepted as homeless from around 300 three years ago to last year’s level of 140.

This New Strategy will replace the 2003-2008 HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY approved by the Isle of Wight Council Executive committee in July 2003.