NEWS: Have your say on plan to end homelessness and rough sleeping

Residents are being asked for their views on an ambitious plan to end homelessness and rough sleeping across the Malvern Hills District. 

The draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 to 2031 sets out how Malvern Hills, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Wychavon, and Wyre Forest District Councils will work together over the next five years to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.  

Where this cannot be prevented, the councils aim to ensure it is rare, brief and not repeated. 

The strategy builds on work already carried out in recent years, which has seen thousands of people supported, new accommodation created for vulnerable residents, and closer working between councils, health services and support organisations. 

Five key priorities will guide the councils’ work: 

There is a strong focus on early intervention actions before homelessness happens, alongside enhanced support for key groups including children and young people, victims of domestic abuse, ex-prisoners, veterans and care leavers. The strategy also sets out how services will work more closely together across housing, health, social care, schools and the voluntary sector. 

Increasing affordable housing, increasing the amount of good quality temporary accommodation to reduce the use of unsuitable bed and breakfast, and halving rough sleeping are also key aims. 

A public consultation on the strategy is now live and will close on Sunday, 24 May 2026. Residents are encouraged to use the online form to share their views before the strategy is finalised.  

In particular, the councils want to hear from people who have experienced homelessness or rough sleeping, users of current prevention and support services, community organisations or anyone with an interest in the proposed approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. 

Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This new strategy focuses on early intervention before homelessness happens, as well as how parts can work together to enhance the support available. Our teams are already doing fantastic work, and this strategy will build on this. We are encouraging people to have their say to help guide our approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping”.