A new draft strategy has been developed to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, emphasising prevention, support, and affordable housing.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has released its draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the next five years which sets out how the city council aims to prevent, intervene in and reduce homelessness - as well as provide support to those affected by it.

The strategy is being developed on the back of a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review, which was carried out by the council in 2024 and assessed the current and likely future state of homelessness in the city.

The council estimated there were 35 homeless people living on the streets of the Potteries in November, the highest number since records began in 2010, and an increase of 10 on the previous November.

Cllr Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Homelessness is a complex issue which we know has been exacerbated over the last few years due to things like the cost of living crisis and housing pressures. 

"Locally, there are simply not enough affordable homes available to those on the lowest incomes.

"But we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure everyone – including our most vulnerable residents – have a decent place to call home. And we want to make sure that they are being given the support they need to live independently."

The number of homelessness enquiries received by the council in 2024 increased by 16 per cent in the last five years and just under 1500 people moved into supported housing services in 2023/24, of which a quarter were aged under 25. 

The council has set out its priorities to tackle the issue of homelessness in the city within the report, including making use of accommodation options available in the city, tailored support to meet individual needs and raising the overall priority of homelessness prevention in Stoke-on-Trent.  

Cllr Robinson added: "Working with local residents and our trusted partners, this strategy will set out our collective vision and the steps we will take to prevent and reduce homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent over the next five years. 

"This will build on all the work we are already doing to ensure our city is a healthier, safer and fairer city for all."

The council secured £20 million of government funding for various rough sleeping initiatives, the creation of 74 new bed spaces for people sleeping rough and the launch of the Hanley Connects homelessness hub which supported more than 1,000 people in its first six months.

In addition, the council's Rough Sleeper Service successfully supported 1,014 people off the streets.

Now the authority is launching a final consultation on its new draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, to gather residents' views on whether they think the vision and priorities are the right ones to focus on over the next five years.

To have your say you can visit the Stoke-on-Trent City Council website and fill in the online survey until 27 April.

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