1. “The Future is Local” Sir Simon Milton, Leader, Westminster City Council

2. The Westminster context Westminster’s attraction at the heart of London Average house prices exceed £500,000 3 years ago more people sleeping rough in the City than anywhere else – but now halved Target to halve number of people living in temporary accommodation by 2010

3. The Future is Local Changing public perceptions through:  Tackling problems of soup runs  Focusing on the cause of homelessness, rather than the symptoms  What are the full range of services homeless people need?

4. The Future is Local Detailed data analysis: 40% had alcohol support needs 33% involved in drug use 40% with mental health needs 38% previously in prison 13% had been in care

5. The Future is Local European dimension:  Growing impact of EU accession states  Arrival of larger, family groups  People without language skills or housing options  Need to respond quickly

6. The Future is Local Move away from reliance on outreach, street-based approach Development of Building Based Services - primary care, mental health, substance misuse and housing options Results: 70% of those in hostels moving to independent housing Support of local agencies

7. The Future is Local Investment in Social Rented Housing in Westminster

8. The Future is Local Local Government Assocation perspective:  Local authorities as “place shapers”  Tackling homelessness through a strategic approach to housing  A “more varied menu” of housing options  Need for genuine devolution of decisions to the correct, local level

9. The Future is Local Tackling worklessness to tackle homelessness Local authorities acting as brokers to promote access to skills and education Co-ordinated services, knocking down the barriers to employment

10. So why is the future local? One Size Does Not Fit All Regional surplus and shortage of homes in England, 2003 There are housing shortages in the south of England -2.5% -2.0% -1.5% -1.0% -0.5% 0.0% 0.5% Y&HWMEMNWNEEastSESWLondon Source: DLCG live tables (dwellings), March 2005 household estimates (households), and Survey of English Housing (second homes); the data is for 2003; England Surplus of homes over households as a percentage of households, after adjustments for vacancies and second homes

11. So why is the future local? One Size Does Not Fit All Local circumstances – and local knowledge – are crucial The full range of services – social, economic and environmental – all need to be co-ordinated and provided Local authorities in place, and ready to make significant progress given the tools and the resources from government

12. “The Future is Local” Sir Simon Milton, Leader, Westminster City Council