'Prevention, partnership working and sustainable housing solutions': Council sets out action plan to prevent homelessness in Banbury

Cherwell District Council’s executive approved its Rough Sleeping Action Plan 2027-2029 at a meeting on Monday (November 2).

The plan focuses on identifying and addressing the causes of homelessness through early intervention and ensuring support services are accessible to those who need them.

It also aims to provide long-term housing solutions to help residents maintain stable tenancies and build resilience.

Cllr Ian Middleton, Cherwell District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and greener communities, said: “By focusing on prevention, partnership working and sustainable housing solutions, the council aims to reduce homelessness across Cherwell and ensure that residents facing housing difficulties receive the support they need at the earliest opportunity.

“The council will continue to work closely with district and county partners, housing providers, charities and people with lived experience of homelessness to improve services and deliver better outcomes for residents.

“Homelessness is rarely just about the absence of a roof over someone's head. It's often connected to wider challenges involving health, employment, relationships and personal circumstances. That's why prevention and joined-up support are so important.”

The plan will run alongside the council’s existing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and aligns with the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness 2025 and Rough Sleeping Programme 2026.

Cherwell District Council hopes the measures will reduce the number of children living in temporary accommodation, as well as help end long-term rough sleeping.

Other aims include increasing successful homelessness prevention outcomes and ending the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for families beyond the six-week statutory limit.

The action plan includes a range of measures to support residents before they reach crisis point, including strengthening tenancy sustainment support, reviewing accommodation pathways and developing new supported housing schemes.

It also proposes expanding the Housing First programme and improving support for people leaving institutions such as prisons, hospitals and the care system.

The council has also committed to reviewing temporary accommodation provision, increasing engagement with private landlords and providing targeted support for vulnerable households.

A new performance framework will also be introduced to monitor progress.