Hundreds more people approached Durham County Council about homelessness or for housing advice in the past year. 

Figures show the number of people who approached the council for help increased to 7,846 in 2021/22 from 7,497 the previous year. 

In that time, people requiring housing advice increased by 96 per cent, with the number of people who were assessed in line with homeless legislation and owed a homeless duty falling by 19 per cent. 

Single households remain the largest group presenting as homeless, making up around 58 per cent of the total, 31 per cent are households with children and 11 per cent couples with no children. 

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The authority said the main reasons why people present to the housing service are because private rented tenancies are ending, families are no longer willing to accommodate them, and they are domestic abuse victims. 

It comes as the authority released its draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, which focuses on four priorities: preventing people from becoming homeless; improving access to and supply of accommodation; ensuring the appropriate support is available for people who are homeless; and reducing rough sleeping.

There is a shortage of affordable housing throughout County Durham. Since 2016, 2,601 fewer affordable houses have been delivered across County Durham than required to meet identified housing needs. Just 464 units have been delivered per year on average compared to the target of 836.  

Proposed measures by the council to prevent homelessness include ensuring people receive appropriate and relevant advice and support as early as possible. Early intervention will also be targeted towards people who are most likely or identified to be at risk of homelessness, through the introduction of specialist teams and dedicated support 

There are also plans to work with the private rented sector and supported accommodation providers to establish new approaches to reduce evictions and assist people to remain at home. A multi-agency homelessness partnership could be formed.

During 2022/23, around 126 people were found rough sleeping, an average of 11 on a single night. Most rough sleepers are found in Durham City, with some reports from Seaham, Peterlee and Consett.

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A new night shelter, which can be accessed all year round, has been proposed as well as introducing a communications campaign by working with charities to discourage people from donating cash to rough sleepers. 

Cllr Alan Shield, cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: "The impact of homelessness can devastate lives, and it is often a long journey for an individual to build their life up again. The draft strategy highlights the challenges that we face as a housing authority and details how we will tackle the complex causes of homelessness by focusing on prevention and early intervention.

“We need to work together with our partners and stakeholders to address homelessness and prevent people from living in precarious housing circumstances, including temporary accommodation, hostels and B&B’s.”