Cherwell backs new homelessness prevention strategy

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 06:16 · Archive

Cherwell District Council has approved a county-wide homelessness and rough sleeping strategy for 2026–28 focusing on early intervention.

Cherwell District Council's executive approved the Oxfordshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-28 on Monday, 5 October. The county-wide plan focuses on early intervention, rapid and sustainable rehousing, and tailored support to prevent people from losing their homes and to help those who do find themselves homeless.

The strategy is a joint effort across Oxfordshire involving all local authorities in the county and the NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board. Together they will support services including supported accommodation, homelessness prevention and outreach for people sleeping rough.

Ian Middleton, Cherwell's portfolio holder for housing and greener communities, said: "Losing a home, or facing the possibility of homelessness, can have a profound impact on every aspect of someone's life. The best outcome is always to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place. This renewed strategy strengthens that focus on early help while making sure that, if someone does become homeless, they can access the right support and have the best possible chance of finding a sustainable home."

The two-year strategy builds on a partnership approach established in 2021 and reflects a national shift towards earlier intervention and improved coordination between housing, health and support services. A 10-week public consultation earlier this year sought feedback from residents, voluntary groups and people with lived experience of homelessness.

Members of the council's executive will take part in the CEO Sleepout in Oxford this week to raise awareness of homelessness.

How it is being reported

• Cherwell backs renewed strategy to prevent homelessnessThe Oxfordshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-28 was backed by Cherwell District Council's executive on Monday, October 5.Oxford Mail · 7 Oct, 05:00
• Cherwell backs renewed strategy to prevent homelessnessThe Oxfordshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-28 was backed by Cherwell District Council's executive on Monday, October 5.Oxfordshire Guardian · 7 Oct, 05:00
• Council aims to step in earlier to prevent of homelessness in the Banbury areaCherwell District Council is backing a new strategy aimed at preventing people becoming homeless in the Banbury area through early help.Banbury Guardian · 6 Oct, 14:00

In this story: Cherwell District Council · Oxfordshire · Ian Middleton · NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board

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