THURROCK Council has reported substantial progress in its efforts to ease issues raised by homelessness in the borough.

Changes began last year after a damning report on the way the council had been dealing with the homelessness situation.

In the wake of the report which said the authority had failed to respond strategically to increasing pressures, with "no clear structure, vision, or proactive planning", the council began a project focussing on the rising numbers in temporary accommodation, increasing use of costly nightly-let placements and growing caseloads had created substantial financial and operational pressures.

The Housing Solutions service mapped out a plan to cut costs and help residents remain local – meaning some fundamental changes were implemented on working practices.

The council says: "The focus was simple: prevent homelessness wherever possible, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, and support residents more effectively and earlier.

"Twelve months on, that effort is delivering tangible results.

"Temporary accommodation numbers have reduced from a peak of 723 households to 579 today. Live caseloads have fallen from 1,605 to 1,004. Most importantly, the service has shifted from a largely reactive model to one focused on prevention, intervention and helping residents before they reach crisis point.

"Last week marked a particularly significant milestone.

"For the first time, the service recorded zero new temporary accommodation placements during the week, while successfully ending 10 existing placements. This single week's performance represents an estimated £136,000 annual saving and demonstrates the impact of the collective effort taking place across the whole service."

The turnaround reversed a three-year trend when temporary accommodation numbers increased by an average of 15 households every month. Today, the council says the service is achieving an average reduction of around 15 households per month, delivering both direct savings and significant cost avoidance for the Council.

In June this year the council announced further changes, with plans to switch provision of homes from hotels to the private sector.

Borough MP Jen Craft has praised the council for its efforts, reflecting that it is a journey begun under the previous Labour administration.

She said: "It's good to see the work that the Housing Solutions team have been carrying out to make sure that everyone in Thurrock has somewhere to call home.

"The ill effects of prolonged periods in temporary accommodation cannot be underestimated, and I am particularly grateful for the efforts of former councillor Mark Hooper whose passion for addressing social inequality led him to drive this work forward as portfolio holder."

Council leader Richard Bingley recognised the work began before his administration took over and says he is pleased it continues under the Reform administration, saying: "This is a fantastic achievement and a clear demonstration of what can be accomplished when a service has a clear vision, a determined team and a relentless focus on delivering better outcomes for residents.

"Just a year ago, Housing Solutions was facing increasing demand, growing temporary accommodation numbers and significant financial pressures. Through strong leadership and the commitment of staff across the service, that position has been turned around.

"The fact that Housing Solutions achieved a week with no new temporary accommodation placements while helping ten households move on to settled accommodation is an exceptional result. Behind that headline is something even more important: ten households moving towards greater stability and independence, while ensuring public money is being used more effectively.

"These results show the value of investing in prevention, intervening earlier and supporting people before they reach crisis point. Whilst there is still more to do, the progress made over the last twelve months is something everyone involved should be proud of.

"I would like to thank all Housing Solutions staff for their hard work, professionalism and commitment. They are making a real difference to the lives of residents and helping to build a more positive future for Thurrock."