IT was extremely disappointing to read the letter from Barbara Osborne of Southbourne (Letters, July 15) in response to the recent article about Bournemouth’s new homelessness strategy.

The letter questions the value of this work and goes on to assert that ‘the money spent on this ridiculous report could have been better spent elsewhere.’ In changing times, where homelessness is increasing both locally and nationally, the council has a clear and absolute responsibility to review and refresh its approach.

We need to make sure that Bournemouth council and its many partner agencies are working together in the best possible way to help those people who are at risk of homelessness.

Unfortunately, the threat of homelessness is faced by many people for various different reasons.

Often of course, simply because their landlord has served them notice.

The council also has an important legal duty to publish a new homelessness strategy for its area at least every five years.

In terms of homeless people from outside Bournemouth, the vast majority of people at risk of homelessness who approach the council are Bournemouth residents who come to their council for advice and help.

I strongly support our dedicated and very experienced team in this difficult work, which I know at first hand is not only totally worthwhile, but sadly increasingly necessary.

COUNCILLOR ROBERT LAWTON Cabinet Member for Housing, Bournemouth council