Homeless applications in Christchurch and East Dorset rise

Both authorities saw the largest increase in the number of homeless applications since they began recording the figures in 2013.

They said that the rise was “a growing problem” and that new government legislation was likely going to put the councils under “greater pressure”.

Over the course of 2017/18, the number of people in the Christchurch borough who were living in temporary accommodation almost doubled – from 18 to 33.

In East Dorset, the increase was smaller with 27 households living in bed and breakfasts – a rise from 19 the year before.

The figures have been made public ahead of the meeting of the councils’ Joint Audit Committee on Wednesday.

“Performance relating to temporary accommodation and homelessness remained a growing challenge throughout the year [2017/18],” a report produced for the meeting says.

“Both councils experienced continuing increases of homelessness applications and households placed in bed and breakfast accommodation, many of which we have not seen since 2013.

“With a sustained, substantial increase in applications, it is anticipated that the service will come under greater pressure now the Homelessness Reduction Act had been implemented, bringing in new statutory duties.”

Nationally, the number of families living in temporary accommodation has risen by 48 per cent over the last five years, according to housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

The increase prompted the government to introduce its new homelessness legislation last year which puts new legal obligations on councils across England.

In response to the rises and the new act, the councils have appointed four new housing officers – one of whom is dedicated to increasing the levels of private rented accommodation available for the council to use to house people.

The councils have also been awarded funding by the Local Government Association to employ specialist advisors to secure more temporary accommodation.