We have approved a bold new housing, homelessness and rough sleeping strategy 2025 – 2030, setting out a clear and ambitious vision to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing safe, secure and suitable housing.
This forward-looking strategy outlines how the council will work to tackle homelessness and housing-related challenges across the district over the next five years. It brings together evidence, community insight and national policy direction into one cohesive plan, underpinned by three core priorities:
- Prevent homelessness and eradicate rough sleeping
- Deliver more affordable and social homes
- Improve the quality of existing homes
New figures reveal that 2,200 households in Lichfield District are living in unsuitable housing, and the number of people waiting for an affordable home has risen by over 14% in the last year. The strategy directly responds to this growing pressure, pledging the delivery of 200 new council homes, including 30 high-quality temporary accomodation, and a major push to eliminate the use of bed and breakfast accommodation entirely.
Developed in line with the council’s duties under the Homelessness Act 2002, the strategy reflects on performance since the previous strategy was published, identifies current challenges, and sets out a robust delivery plan based on extensive consultation with residents, councillors, housing partners and support agencies.
Councillor Alex Farrell, Cabinet Member at Lichfield District Council, said:
“This strategy is a strong statement of intent. We know that housing need is rising, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to prevent homelessness, build more genuinely affordable homes, and improve the quality of housing across the district. Everyone deserves a safe, secure and suitable place to live.”
"Nationally, “affordable housing” is defined as housing costing no more than 80% of market rent, but with private rents in Lichfield District rising sharply, this can still be out of reach for many. That’s why the council is focused on delivering genuinely affordable options, delivering both independently and challenging partners to do the same."
Consultation on the strategy began in late 2023 and has included workshops with councillors, forums with registered providers and agencies, customer surveys, and one-to-one feedback sessions with residents using homelessness services. Insights from this engagement have directly shaped the actions and priorities in the strategy’s delivery plan.
The strategy also aligns with the government’s wider direction on tackling homelessness, while anticipating further national changes expected later this year. It reflects the council’s long-term ambition, as set out in Lichfield District 2050, to build a more inclusive and sustainable housing system.