Good progress is being made on a new approach to homelessness and housing options in Dundee, according to the first year review.

City councillors will be told that moves are being made to deliver on the outcomes of the Housing Options and Homelessness Strategic Plan 2016 - 21 ‘Not Just a Roof’.

Dundee City Council is one of five Scottish pathfinder local authorities for the Housing First model and aims to provide up to 40 Housing First tenancies in the first of the two years of the programme.

Intensive support is essential to the success of Housing First tenancies and this is being co-ordinated and commissioned locally by a consortium of third sector homelessness providers, led by Transform, with tenancies provided by the council and its Registered Social Landlord partners.

Kevin Cordell, convener of the council’s neighbourhood services committee, said: “When we agreed this strategy last year we were clear that there should be more focus on early intervention and support, finding out why people become homeless and developing ways to address these issues.

“It’s also about preventing homelessness in the first place using a range of services, working in the community with people at risk and co-ordinated working with other agencies.

“Progress is being made on all of these fronts and there is more to come.”

Bryan Smith from Transform Community Development said: “Housing First Dundee is an innovative programme that will work positively and proactively with those that have had difficulty in engaging with traditional housing and support services due to a variety of complex needs.

“It is an exciting opportunity to give participants hope and end the revolving door of homelessness. Preparations to launch are well underway and it is envisaged that the first tranche of participants will move into their tenancies in autumn of this year.”

The report to be considered by the neighbourhood services committee on September 24 reveals that a review of temporary accommodation to ensure it is fit for purpose is underway in partnership with third sector providers.

Council staff are also working with partner organisations and service users to make changes to front line services that will deliver improved outcomes and on a scheme which identifies a single person who will co-ordinate meeting the needs of an individual.

When it is delivered the strategy will prevent homelessness occurring; ensure a positive experience for people who are at risk of homelessness or homeless; and make sure that individuals can live independent, fulfilled and health lives.

An extensive consultation exercise informed the early intervention approach.