Tunbridge Wells Borough Council currently provides a housing options service. The objective is to assist households at risk of homelessness to prevent them from becoming homeless by securing alternative accommodation or sustaining their existing accommodation. This priority will put in place an action plan to provide a proactive service to prevent homelessness from occurring by providing early support and intervention. By focusing on preventing homelessness and supporting residents through early intervention, we can help to avoid homelessness crisis situations and prevent households from having to occupy temporary accommodation.
Proposed actions include but are not limited to:
- Use of data and tools such as AI and predictive analytics to better inform who may be at risk of homelessness
- Fund a family incentive scheme to support households remain at home longer through use of small financial payments whilst supporting households to find a longer-term housing solution
- Provision of mediation service for persons experiencing relationship or family breakdown
- Work in partnership with the private, voluntary and public sectors including health providers ensuring a complete range of support and advice is accessible
- Explore options to support individuals not in employment, education or training into work, apprenticeships or training
- Explore options to fund independent advice for renters facing a claim for possession through the county courts.
- Develop early intervention multi-agency case panel meetings for client groups such as care leavers and people leaving institutions such as hospital or prison
- Work with local partners including charities to better identify and support households who may be at risk of homelessness
- Initiate regular panel meetings with social landlords and supported housing providers to explore and resolve those key issues that threaten individuals with homelessness which may be prevented by early intervention
