Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council have unveiled a joint Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy for 2025–2030, setting out an ambitious mission: ‘From small acts to big changes: Together we can stop homelessness.’
The strategy provides a coordinated plan to address homelessness and rough sleeping across both districts. It builds on recent successes in supporting vulnerable individuals and families but acknowledges that rising housing costs and broader socio-economic pressures continue to challenge local services. A 2024 specialist data forecast indicated that without intervention, the demand for Temporary Accommodation could rise by more than 300 per cent by 2029, significantly increasing costs for both Councils.
Both councils have a history of addressing homelessness through person-centred services and innovative partnerships. Achievements highlighted in the strategy review include expanding the in-house rough sleeper team, providing additional housing support for care leavers, increasing temporary accommodation for victims of domestic abuse, and delivering new affordable housing. Between 2020 and 2025, Registered Provider partners delivered 679 social housing homes in Broadland and 935 in South Norfolk.
South Norfolk Councillor Graham Minshull said: “The reality of the housing crisis means we must adapt and escalate our efforts. Our new strategy acknowledges that no single action will solve this issue, but a collective, collaborative response, involving our customers and partner organisations can make a definitive change.”
The strategy is built around four priority areas:
• Prevention: Intervening early to prevent people from losing their homes.
• Accommodation: Providing access to safe, stable, and high-quality temporary and supported housing.
• Housing Solutions: Creating diverse, long-term pathways out of homelessness.
• Systems and Collaboration: Improving services and strengthening partnerships across sectors.
A key initiative within the plan is a pioneering programme to purchase Council-owned Temporary Accommodation units. This will offer secure, good-quality housing for households in need, reducing reliance on costly nightly-paid Bed & Breakfasts. The programme aims to deliver an additional 70 units in Broadland and 81 units in South Norfolk by March 2026.
The strategy reflects a clear ambition: to work collectively to stop homelessness and ensure that everyone in the districts has a safe and stable place to call home.
