A RISE in homelessness is directly linked to the implementation of universal credit, the deputy leader of St Helens Council has claimed.

Cllr Andy Bowden, cabinet member for balanced development, housing and economic opportunity, presented the council’s new homelessness strategy for 2018-2023 to cabinet this week.

He said since 2010 there has been a “significant” increases in the number of people becoming homeless and families living in local authority temporary accommodation.

The Labour councillor also said it was “no coincidence” rising homelessness has occurred at the same times as changes to the benefits system.

Cllr Bowden said: “We know that the causes of homelessness are complex, rooted in poverty, deprivation, poor health and the operation of a housing market where the lack of affordable housing excludes many people from a home of their own.

“But it is no coincidence that the increases homelessness we have seen have occurred at the same time as the Tory government has made major changes to the benefits system.

“And the continued implementation of these welfare changes despite all the evidence showing it is making families poorer, driving up debt and rent arrears.

“Even Tory MPs are starting to recognise the failings in the system and their consequences.

“Only ministers are recklessly pushing forward despite the consequences, and ultimately the consequence are poverty.”

Cllr Bowden said a “austerity driven” housing crisis is putting “huge pressures” on homeless and other services provided by local authorities.

The government has committed to end rough sleeping by 2027, with a new rough sleeping strategy published in August setting out how it intends to achieve this.

Cllr Bowden said the introduction of this strategy, as well as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, provide the framework for supporting local authorities in dealing with homelessness.

The government has also committed more than £250,000 over the next two years, on top of £200,000 over the next two years from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

However, Cllr Bowden said the additional funding is not enough when the council has seen “tens of millions” cut from its budget.

He said it is “worrying” the government has given no commitment to maintain this funding beyond 2020.

Cllr Bowden said a review of homelessness within the borough has been completed, shaped the priorities and objectives of a revised homelessness strategy for the next five years.

He said it is intended that the homelessness review and draft strategy will tackle all forms of homelessness, including people “sofa surfing” with friends or relatives.

The Parr councillor said the emphasis within the strategy is on intervening earlier and delivering better prevention.

Cllr Bowden said: “Because the causes of, and the solutions to homelessness, are complex, we cannot address this issue on our own.

“Many organisations were involved in developing this strategy and the implementation of the strategy will require further development of the partnership arrangements that are currently in place.

“The action plan included within the document identifies how the strategies’ objectives will be delivered.

“And we will provide strategic leadership and want to work closely and productively with those who share our vision and commitment to tackling homelessness through our strategy.

“We are committed to preventing homelessness rather than responding to households at the point of crisis.

“The report and strategy sets out the challenges we face and describes how we intend to meet them using a variety of approaches.”

Cllr Bowden said regular updates as well as an annual report on the implementation of the strategy will be provided to cabinet.

It is also intended that these go before the People’s Board, which is made up of representatives from the council and various partners.

Cabinet approved the draft St Helens Homelessness Strategy 2018-23.