Council brings key parts of its housing advice and homelessness services in house

From today, the council welcomes staff from various parts of its Housing Solutions Service (HSS) into the organisation as part of a comprehensive redesign of the service. In advancing its plans to bring elements of the HSS in-house, the Council will be able to directly address the complex needs of those facing homelessness in the borough. 

Following last year’s announcement, the council has been working with the current providers to ensure a smooth transition for the dedicated and hard-working staff who run the services. Over 100 staff will transfer into the Council from 1st April and will be supported to integrate into the Housing Department and deliver alongside other Council services.  

For 20 years, the Housing Solutions Service has been a gateway for those who are seeking support and advice. In recent years demand for housing in Westminster has reached an all-time high with one in fifty Londoners currently homeless, with limited housing options available. The service has seen a 302% increase in homelessness applications and a 126% increase in duty acceptances from 2017 – 2024. This has placed incredible pressure on the current service, and a new way of operating is needed to ensure a continued high-level of service is offered to residents and those facing homelessness.  

By bringing aspects of the service in-house, the council will be able to respond directly to those in need; ensure greater connectivity across Council services and invest in more community-based prevention to help those worried about their housing situation earlier.  

This is in line with the council’s work to deliver a Fairer Westminster and the commitment to have responsive and empathetic housing services. This reshaping is underpinned by changes to its Allocations Policy, the launch of the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and its temporary accommodation acquisitions programme. 

Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member of Housing Services said: “We are pleased to bring parts of this service directly under the council’s remit.  

This is the biggest insource so far by this administration and will allow us to respond directly to get residents the support they need.”