There are fears that Southampton’s homeless community could be left without vital support if the City Council slashes funding for one of the city’s most successful voluntary groups.
The Street Homeless Prevention Service has been helping vulnerable people find accommodation, employment, training and health care for over 12 years. It also helps them to access benefits and find ways of staying in privately rented housing.
Councillor Peter Baillie cabinet member for housing told a cabinet meeting yesterday that a saving of £15,000 would be made by pulling the funding for SHPS and taking the service directly under local authority control.
"We’ve got to find the best way forward for the service and in this case we’ve got a fantastic officer and a great team which already provides these functions in house. Whilst it is very clear that SHPS has done a good job, this move will provide greater synergy within the service and the best value for money," he said.
"In these times we need to think about what the essential services are and in this case SHPS is something of a luxury."
Jo Ash, Chief Executive of SVS told the meeting: "When SHPS was established 12 years ago it was unanimously agreed that it was the best way to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals. Since then we have been lauded by the government for our contribution to the community. Every homeless person helped by the service stays in their accommodation, and goes into training or employment.
"£15,000 seems a small price to pay for the damage caused to the people of Southampton and it seems totally contrary to the Big Society agenda which is supposed to be at the heart of council policy.
The decision was deferred for two weeks for cabinet members to consider the proposal but the final decision will be made by the Executive Director and Councillor Baillie in a fortnight’s time.
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