Housing Solutions Service in Westminster to be in-house
Westminster Council is making a bold move to tackle homelessness head-on by bringing key parts of its Housing Solutions Service (HSS) in-house from 1st April. This change means that over 100 dedicated staff members will now work directly within the council, allowing for a more integrated and effective response to the growing housing crisis in the borough.
With demand for housing in Westminster at an all-time high, this shift couldn’t come at a more crucial time. Currently, one in fifty Londoners is homeless, and applications for support have surged by 302% since 2017. The pressure on existing services is immense, and by insourcing these functions, the council aims to streamline its approach, offering better support for those in urgent need.
The Housing Solutions Service has been a lifeline for Westminster residents for two decades, providing guidance and assistance to those facing homelessness. However, as the crisis has deepened, it has become clear that a new approach is needed. By bringing these services under direct council control, Westminster aims to enhance coordination between departments, ensuring residents receive comprehensive and timely support. This move also aligns with the council’s commitment to a Fairer Westminster, reinforcing its dedication to responsive, empathetic, and community-focused housing services.
Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, highlighted the significance of this transition, stating, “We are pleased to bring parts of this service directly under the council’s remit. This is the biggest insource so far by this administration and will allow us to respond directly to get residents the support they need.”
This reshaping of Westminster’s housing services coincides with the launch of a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, changes to the Allocations Policy, and a programme to acquire more temporary accommodation. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive commitment to tackling homelessness at its root and ensuring support is available before people reach crisis point.
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