Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) could be used by Liverpool Council to address its continuing homelessness crisis. With an “unprecedented demand” on housing services across the city, the local authority is reviewing its approach to rough sleeping and homelessness.

Liverpool’s trend of rough sleeping ticked upward throughout 2024 when compared to the same period 12 months earlier. The average number of people seen each night rough sleeping between April and September 2024 was 30, an increase on the average of 22 people seen per night over the same period in 2023.

New figures released by the city council have revealed how in one month along this year, 166 people were seen by the Liverpool Assertive Outreach and Response Service “engaging in a street lifestyle.” A report to go to cabinet on the new homelessness strategy said the number of rough sleepers has increased again, which could link to the warmer weather.

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When the strategy was first unveiled last year, the local authority said it wanted to make homelessness brief, rare and non-recurring. Its night assessment hub has continued to be a vital tool in helping people off the streets.

Throughout winter, in partnership with the Whitechapel Centre, Liverpool Council provides a temporary centre for those seeking accommodation. Each year in preparation for winter, the local authority works with partners to ensure there are a range of additional solutions in place during the worst of the winter, including ‘sit-up’ spaces and block-booked hotel rooms.

The scheme, which operates from 8pm to 8am for 30 people, was extended throughout the summer to the end of this month to allow the council “to find solutions for people in an off-the-street setting.”

Generic file photo of a homeless person

Generic file photo of a homeless person -Credit:LDRS

The city said during April, its Always Help Available phone received 2,664 inbound phone calls – a similar number to the previous month.

Issues also remain around those in temporary accommodation. As of June 1, there are 1,635 households in temporary accommodation, with around 1,100 in B&B/hotels, and limited permanent move-on options available at present.

The document said: “There has been unprecedented demand on the council’s housing solutions service in recent years and an increase in homeless presentations, with the service receiving an increase in requests for help and assistance from those at risk of homelessness.

“This is due, in part, to an increase in no fault evictions, family and friends no longer being able to accommodate and affordability concerns as rents increase.”

A homeless person in Liverpool city centre

A homeless person in Liverpool city centre -Credit:Liverpool Echo

In a bid to release pressure on the service, Liverpool Council is to use a range of temporary accommodation services including the use of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s), studio flats and a range of properties to meet the bedroom needs of homeless households, which will be dispersed across the city ensuring offers that are made are suitable having regard to the suitability requirements set out in legislation and statutory guidance.

Documents which the cabinet will be asked to endorse said it will not hold any leases, tenancies or licences of the properties, rather procure a service providing a minimum number of properties with all property and tenancy related functions delivered by the provider with the opportunity to bring more properties on board as required.