Council takes housing services department back in-house to tackle homelessness

Trafford Council has shown its commitment to tackling homelessness by taking over the running of its housing services department for the first time in 16 years.

From April 1, Housing Options Services Trafford (HOST), which manages the housing waiting list, homelessness services and housing advice services, will be brought back under the direct control of Trafford Council.

The service, which was outsourced to Salix Homes in 2015, will be directly run by the council as part of its commitment to providing housing and tackling homelessness in the borough.

Staff from Salix Homes will move over with HOST, which provides statutory homelessness support on behalf of the council and provides advice and support for local people with their housing needs, when it returns to the authority.

Cllr James Wright, executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “Tacking homelessness and providing affordable and social housing is a corporate priority for Trafford Council and we see HOST as a vital service which secures homes for people and prevents people from becoming homeless.

“We have made the decision to bring HOST back in house so we can ensure these functions are delivered in a better coordinated way with other associated council services and functions.”

He added: “This transfer will allow the council to improve on an already excellent service.”

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