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London council sets up homelessness scrutiny panel to improve service
Camden Council has set up a homelessness scrutiny panel to look at gaps in provision and make recommendations to improve the service.
According to a council report that went before its housing scrutiny committee, the panel will examine resident understanding and perceptions of homelessness and the experiences of accessing joined-up, holistic support for those who have been or are currently homeless.
“It is proposed that this examination is framed by a ‘whole-system’ approach to homelessness, in line with the aims of the Homelessness System Transformation programme.
“A whole-system approach means looking at the issue of homelessness from a range of perspectives across health, social care, housing, justice and community sectors,” the report said.
It said this could be achieved by viewing the holistic strengths and needs of people experiencing homelessness from their perspective, rather than focusing on specific services.
“As such, an additional aim of the panel is proposed: to consider the role of the council, currently and in the future, in convening the wider ‘homelessness system’ of different organisations and groups to deliver a more joined-up response,” according to the report.
The panel, made up of three councillors, will conduct interviews with residents to examine their levels of understanding and perceptions of homelessness.
It will also include people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness, to understand their experiences in seeking to navigate the homelessness system.
Panellists will speak to staff members involved in commissioning or delivering homelessness services, both within the council and with external partners.
Following its research, the panel will produce a report and recommendations.
The chair will present the final report to the housing scrutiny committee and ask that it is formally adopted.
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