The purpose of the report of the Strategic Director: Regeneration and Environment is to provide an overview of the draft Homelessness Strategy 2013 – 2018 for Wirral and to seek approval for the draft Strategy to be published for final wider consultation.

The Homelessness Act 2002 places a duty on local authorities to adopt a strategic approach to homeless issues by completing a comprehensive review of all forms of homelessness in their area and publishing a Homelessness Strategy at least every five years, ensuring this is taken into account when discharging its homelessness function.

The new Strategy will assist in meeting one of the Council’s Corporate Priorities to significantly ‘prevent and alleviate homelessness’ by focusing on the continuous evaluation and improvement of homeless services to meet local needs.

Resolved – That the Draft Homelessness Strategy 2013 – 2018 be published for further consultation.