n May 2020, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool housing associations and support charities across the City launched the Homelessness Reduction Project (HRP).
The HRP offered an alternative approach to housing allocation; designed to maximise the support available for those affected by homelessness.
In the wake of the pandemic, local stakeholders acknowledged that resources were stretched and additional support was required to help those at risk of becoming homeless. Property Pool Plus, the Choice Based Lettings system used to allocate homes in Liverpool, was suspended. A new panel was established to create an alternative allocations process that was more responsive, flexible and tailored to the needs of people most at risk of homelessness.
The Panel was led by the Council, alongside housing associations who worked together to offer vacant homes across the City. Eligibility criteria were also relaxed to offer a second chance to those otherwise unable to bid on the Property Pool Plus system. By tapping into different areas of leadership across these organisations, the Panel was able to coordinate resources more effectively and target support where it was needed most.
In addition to providing homes, a support package was provided to tenants aimed at removing known obstacles to tenancy sustainment. This included the removal of financial barriers, for example waiving upfront rent payments and providing furniture packages and day to day items. Between May 2020 and March 2022, the HRP had the following impact:
- 1,101 households affected by homelessness moved into permanent homes, many of which were known to have had significant histories of homelessness/housing instability, trauma and additional support needs.
- Of those rehoused, 179 had medium or high levels of need, 50 were care leavers, 46 were Housing First Clients with multiple and complex needs and 36 were fleeing domestic abuse.
- 94% of tenancies were sustained throughout this period, which is considered high given the level of additional needs.
- Liverpool City Council estimated savings of around £500,000 on temporary accommodation spend in the first six months of the project.
