In this episode, Leanne Tritton and Dave Hill discuss the pressing issue of housing in London, focusing on Greenwich Council's successful strategies to reduce homelessness and reliance on temporary accommodation. They are joined by Leader of the Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke and Assistant Director Housing Needs and Tenancy, Shaun Flook, who share insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the assessment process for homelessness, and the innovative solutions implemented to provide stable housing for residents. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration across departments and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle homelessness effectively.

Takeaways

• Housing is the most critical issue in London today.
• Greenwich Council reduced its use of B&Bs by 84%.
• The pandemic worsened homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Councils have a duty to prevent homelessness under the Homelessness Act.
• Collaboration between departments is essential for effective solutions.
• Direct offers of social housing helped reduce hotel dependency.
• Temporary accommodation can be a long-term struggle for families.
• Public understanding of homelessness is often limited.
• Prevention strategies are more effective than reactive measures.
• Zero people in hotels is a significant achievement for Greenwich.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to London's Housing Crisis

01:32

Understanding the Rise in Homelessness

06:01

Defining Homelessness and Its Impact

12:45

Strategies for Reducing Hotel Reliance

19:02

Achieving Dramatic Reductions in Temporary Accommodation

21:36

Rehousing Strategies for the Homeless

28:10

Challenges of Temporary Accommodation

34:49

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

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