The local authority is set to focus on reducing temporary accommodation use and improving access to support.
Wirral Council has approved a new strategy aimed at tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, to make homelessness ‘rare, brief and unrepeated’.
The Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee formally signed off on the plan in response to rising pressure on homelessness services. Demand has increased by 16% since 2020, while repeat homelessness has risen by 14.4% over the same period.
Meanwhile, projections suggest demand could rise by a further 8% by 2041.
A shortage of affordable housing and ongoing reliance on B&Bs are just some of the key challenges highlighted within the strategy. It also addresses the impact of domestic abuse and complex mental health needs among people seeking help.
While street homelessness is projected to remain fairly stable, rises are anticipated in temporary accommodation use, including hostels and B&Bs, as well as stays in sheds, cars or sofa-surfing with friends or relatives.
Plans to prevent homelessness include expanding affordable housing, particularly one-bedroom homes and developing accommodation for people with additional health needs.
A new Homelessness Partnership Board will deliver the strategy, working with the Liverpool City Region Homelessness Taskforce.
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, Chair of Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee at Wirral Council, said: ‘This strategy is about delivering long-term change – preventing homelessness wherever possible, reducing our reliance on B&Bs, and ensuring that when people do need help, they receive it quickly and with dignity.
‘Our commitment is to build a system that supports residents not just in moments of crisis, but in creating a stable future.
‘This strategy sets out a clear and determined vision for Wirral – that homelessness should be rare, brief and not repeated. We know the pressures on households are increasing, and demand for support has grown significantly in recent years. That is why this plan focuses on getting ahead of the crisis through early intervention, improving access to services, and expanding the range of safe, affordable housing options across the borough.’
‘Wirral has already made important progress, from increasing self-contained temporary accommodation to introducing new digital tools that help people get support earlier,’ Skillicorn continued. ‘But we also know the challenges are becoming more complex, and we cannot tackle them alone.’
On the subject of progress, the council has launched AdviceAid, an online tool that provides legal guidance and local service information to residents.
What’s more, a Public Health-funded healthy homes scheme has prevented 80 evictions through early intervention and landlord engagement between January 2024 and March 2025.
Skillicorn added: ‘The establishment of a new Homelessness Partnership Board will strengthen the way we work with partners across health, social care, the voluntary sector and the wider Liverpool City Region.’
Image: Jon Tyson/UnSplash
In related news:
Blackpool regeneration plan sparks anguish as hundreds face eviction
Leave a Reply