EASTLEIGH Borough Council has declared its commitment to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping as part of a five-year strategy.

Its new strategy reinforces its commitment to end homelessness across the borough and builds on the work carried out by its housing team over the last five years.

The strategy has two priorities which include tackling social deprivation and health inequalities, as well as promoting health and wellbeing.

It sets out the councils' approach to tackling homelessness and its intention to deliver a service which is compassionate, fair and effective at helping residents.

According to the council it intends to fulfil its statutory duties and will continue to work in partnership with key agencies; adopting a person-centred approach and being proactive in tackling the issues.

Cabinet leader for social policy Cllr Tina Campbell said, “As a Council we will work tirelessly to remove the stigma of homelessness recognising that any one of us could find ourselves facing homelessness; and should the worst happen, we are committed to being a source of help, guidance and support for residents so that they are able to retain their home or quickly find a new one.”

She added: “This strategy contributes to our overall vision to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives and works in the borough so that all our residents have an equal opportunity to flourish and live long happy and healthy lives. Providing secure and good quality housing is invaluable to maintaining good health, improving quality of life and reducing health inequalities in the borough It is a core component of our commitment to supporting and creating sustainable communities and we believe the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy will help us deliver our vision.”

In 2017 the council received £172,000 in a bid to reduce the number of homeless people within the borough.

It came after the Eastleigh-based charity Fledge opened a new home in the town centre for anyone young and vulnerable on the streets.

The cash boost from the central government was spent on homelessness services and two specialists who work to improve the services provided for homeless people.

They also work with all households placed in bed-and-breakfasts and temporary accommodation to ensure that they are linked with partner agencies and claiming appropriate benefits to meet the costs of their accommodation.