Number of rough sleepers recorded as zero on 31 December 2021

The number of rough sleepers recorded in both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts on 31 December 2021 was zero. This is the first time since 2013 that no rough sleepers were recorded in both councils’ areas.

The councils are committed to ending rough sleeping in the districts. Their housing needs team work to this premise through targeted prevention and early intervention measures to help people at risk avoid homelessness. The team has an impressive 85 per cent success rate. Each year this translates into preventing hundreds of households from becoming homeless or rough sleeping.

They are working closely with partners, health and care agencies, housing and support providers and voluntary agencies to develop a new housing-led approach in Oxfordshire. This approach offers rapid access to long term accommodation and intensive support for vulnerable homeless households.

While the team aims for prevention and early intervention to help people who are at risk avoid homelessness, at the end of 2021 the housing needs team focused on a small number of entrenched rough sleepers with complex needs, people who had physical and mental health issues and had previously refused help. Working with partner agencies, the team found them appropriate and sustainable support and accommodation. Those individuals face a more promising 2022 thanks to the work of the team.

Every year at South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils, the housing needs team helps prevent hundreds of households from becoming homeless or rough sleeping

If you know anyone who may be at risk of homelessness please contact us housing@southandvale.gov.uk.