UPDATE: North Devon MP Ian Roome is calling for the Government to take immediate action to support the region’s homeless population, following new figures that reveal a critical need for long-term solutions. With the Government announcing £9.1 million in homelessness support for the South West region, Roome insists this is not enough and emphasizes the necessity for “real support.”
The urgency of this situation has escalated as North Devon handled more homelessness approaches from January to March 2023 than Exeter, yet placed fewer individuals into temporary accommodations. “We need long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes,” Roome stated during a press conference.
Local councils are under immense pressure, with 2,147 households currently registered with Devon Home Choice. The council’s current strategy aims to reduce reliance on temporary accommodations like hotels, instead opting for innovative measures such as implementing a council tax premium on second homes. Roome praised these efforts, acknowledging the hard work of the council’s housing team, which deals with hundreds of urgent cases each month.
However, he stressed that local authorities cannot manage this crisis alone. “They’re doing everything they can, but they can’t do it alone… the Government must step up with real support,” Roome declared. Families and children in North Devon are facing a particularly harsh winter without safe, warm homes.
In a heartbreaking acknowledgment of the situation, Roome noted, “It’s heart-breaking that families and children in North Devon will face this winter without a safe, warm place to call home.” He urged the Government to create a comprehensive homelessness strategy, equipping councils, including the Liberal Democrat-run North Devon Council, with the tools necessary to effectively address the crisis.
The urgent need for action is underscored by national statistics: a record number of households are now living in temporary accommodation across England, with nearly 170,000 children affected. The financial burden on local councils is also staggering, with a projected £2.8 billion bill for temporary accommodation in 2024-25, up from £2.3 billion the previous year.
Roome is advocating for the construction of 150,000 social homes annually and the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions as part of a long-term strategy to alleviate this growing crisis. The emotional impact of these housing issues is profound, affecting families and individuals across North Devon.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Government’s response to Roome’s urgent plea for action. The time for comprehensive support is now—North Devon cannot afford to wait.
