Norfolk council faces backlash for cutting £2m from its homelessness budget amidst rising concerns and potential impact.
The housing support budget is £4.7m now. They will reduce funding for homeless shelters by £1.4m.
In 2023/24, the council housed 838 homeless people and 309 young people. These young people lived in hostels for ages 16 to 25.
Dan Roper, who chairs the scrutiny committee, criticized the cut. Roper said the move is a “false economy,” and he thinks costs will rise later.
Roper says homelessness stems from trauma, which then makes things worse for people. Trauma creates demand for council services; he cited children’s services and mental health as examples.
Andrew Jamieson, a deputy leader at the council, acknowledged tough choices. Jamieson said they must balance the budget and called this cut a difficult decision.
Jamieson said districts should pay for the service since they are legally required to provide it. He mentioned council tax on second homes, suggesting this tax could help districts.
The government gave grants to five districts to prevent rough sleeping. Jamieson believes districts have the revenue and should use it to cover the costs.
During a consultation, 78% of people disagreed with the cut. Shelter and The Magdalene Group, a charity that helps women facing exploitation, also raised concerns about the impact.