News

Councils' homelessness prevention schemes are to come under closer scrutiny, the government has signalled.

In its response to a recommendation in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister select committee's report on homelessness, the government stated that an indicator to measure the operation of prevention schemes would be considered "at the first available opportunity".

The government is already introducing an indicator this April to monitor housing advice services' success in preventing homelessness.

The ODPM also published its homelessness strategy this week, which highlights estimated savings of around £29m by 177 councils - an average of £163,000 per council - as a result of prevention initiatives.

The strategy includes plans to improve prevention work, including helping councils "promote better use" of Supporting People funds.

It also proposes measures to integrate local authority homelessness strategies with the Every Child Matters agenda and the development of children's trusts.

• Sustainable Communities: Settled Homes; Changing Lives from www.odpm.gov.uk/homelessness