Residents support Darlington Council's homelessness plans

Darlington Council’s new strategy to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping was introduced to focus on early prevention, improving temporary accommodation, and supporting those with complex needs.

Data from the council revealed that the number of nights spent in temporary accommodation increased by 547 per cent since 2019-20, to 9,616 nights across 2023-24.

Additionally, the number of presentations to temporary accommodation from people suffering domestic abuse increased by 142 per cent from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

There was also an increase in the number of presentations from hospital and prison leavers, rising from 51 in 2019-20 to 169 in 2023-24.

The council’s five-year strategy outlines six key priority areas:

• Working in partnership with charities and voluntary organisations, other social housing providers, public health and other statutory agencies to prevent homelessness.
• Tackling rough sleeping by implementing our agreed Rough Sleeper Plan
• Increasing the amount and improving the quality of temporary accommodation
• Addressing homelessness faced by particular groups of people, including those presenting with multiple or complex needs
• Improving move on accommodation provision, including specialist housing and support provision
• Securing funding to increase accommodation and resources.

The 700 Club, a local homelessness charity, has welcomed the plan saying: “We would like to affirm Darlington Borough Council’s homelessness strategy, which has been developed in partnership with organisations across the town.

"It is comprehensive, focuses upon prevention, addresses current needs, and is forward-thinking. Housing needs have changed over the last five years, and we believe the strategy is responsive to this change.”

On the streets of Darlington town centre, some concerns were raised, but most people welcomed the strategy.

Harry Gooding, 16, welcomed the initiative, saying: “We may have friends in the future in a less fortunate position, and it would be awful to see them struggling.”

Harry Gooding welcomed the initiative (Image: SAM MUMFORD)However, he added: “Obviously, the easiest way to prevent people from becoming homeless is to give them help. But a lot of people don’t want to reach out for it, because they don’t feel like they can.

"So, I think if the council puts itself in a more approachable and welcoming position it would be a good way of preventing it.”

Anne Warden, 65, was also pleased to hear about the council’s plans.

She said: “They should help the homeless by all means. You do hear about homeless people, and they are usually from a good background but have gone wrong somewhere.”

Anne Warden said she was concerned about the wider housing issues (Image: SAM MUMFORD) She pointed to the wider housing crisis, adding: “There’s just not enough affordable housing. My daughter in Newcastle is paying extortionate rents because she can’t get on social housing. It’s just not fair.”

However, Sue Balls, 60, expressed scepticism over visible homelessness, saying: “I’m not sure the people we see begging around town actually are homeless.

"In fact there are notices around town that say not everyone is homeless who claims to be.”

Sue Balls wondered if everyone who claims to be homeless really is (Image: SAM MUMFORD)

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She added: “It’s very difficult isn't it, you can give them help, but whether they take it and help themselves is a different thing, because they do have to help themselves.”

The council says it will continue to work with charities and agencies to increase accommodation and support.

If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless, contact the council on 01325 405333 or reach out to the 700 club at 01325 366397.