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10
Nov 2022
Harrogate rough sleepers are being offered support, says council leader
The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has assured people that support is being offered to rough sleepers on Oxford Street.
In a statement to last night's council cabinet meeting, Cllr Richard Cooper said he was aware of concern regarding drinking, street begging and rough sleeping at the back of Primark.
Cllr Cooper said that “to the best of the council’s knowledge” three “entrenched, long-term” rough sleepers have been sleeping in the area.
He said they had been offered various accommodation options, including Fern House in Starbeck, which is the council's move-on accommodation for rough sleepers, a bed and breakfast in Knaresborough and a two-bedroom council house, but all were turned down.
Cllr Cooper added that temporary accommodation was later accepted, but the occupants left.
He said:
Cllr Cooper added:
Read more:
- Harrogate Homeless Project appoints new chief executive
- Homelessness in Harrogate — what’s the best way to help?
Cllr Cooper, who is a trustee of Harrogate Homeless Project, said the council, along with businesses and other organisations, would continue to support rough sleepers.
He added the help will include drawing up a plan as “a town centre community rather than individual organisations” to identify how to get support to those people.
Concern over homelessness
In August, council bosses raised concern over a "perfect storm" of homelessness in Harrogate due to the cost of living crisis and lack of accommodation.
The authority revealed a “huge” 60% increase in requests for housing help, which has led to more homeless people staying in bed and breakfasts for longer.
The council also said it has had difficulties in moving hostel tenants into permanent housing as cases have been “more complex than normal”.
Speaking at the time, Trevor Watson, director of economy and culture at the council, said these issues combined with a lack of private rental properties in the district were creating a “perfect storm”.
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