Kingston Council aims to halve the number of long-term rough sleepers over the next three years, with a new 14-bed unit offering round-the-clock support expected to open in January.
The council is also set to enhance its accommodation for rough sleepers, aiming to offer a more diverse range of options to meet varying needs. A verbal update on its strategies and current provision for people experiencing homelessness was given to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
Amie Rickatson, Housing Solutions and Support Lead, outlined the council’s commitment to reducing rough sleeping through its homelessness and rough sleeping strategy. Key priorities include prevention and support, with a shift away from the need for verification of rough sleeping before individuals can access accommodation. The council aims to go out to commission a new, streamlined contract for all rough sleeping services over the next 12 months. Analysis from the supported housing strategy will be used to identify gaps in provision for this new contract.
Currently, Kingston commissions several services, including the SPEAR Outreach Service, which provides a front-door response to rough sleepers, conducting welfare checks and offering casework. A sub-regionally funded nurse also conducts outreach to engage rough sleepers with healthcare. The KCH housing drop-in service offers information and advice on statutory rights and benefits, with a co-located drug and alcohol service. Supported accommodation includes 45 bed spaces in HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), eight units of self-contained accommodation for those with medium support needs, and four units of Housing First provision for individuals with high support needs, where individuals are expected to stay for at least two years. Individuals with medium support needs may require support from other agencies.
Looking ahead, the council is addressing a gap in 24-hour provision for long-term rough sleepers. A new 14-bed high-support unit, commissioned sub-regionally with 24-hour staffing, is expected to become operational in January. This unit will provide intensive support through the YMCA and will offer the borough a significant share of the beds.
Discussions also touched upon the challenges of supporting individuals with no recourse to public funds, particularly in light of new government funding aimed at providing accommodation for all by Christmas. While initial funding is in place, the long-term sustainability of housing these individuals after March remains a challenge, and the council is awaiting further government proposals to address this.
The meeting also addressed concerns about the impact of some supported accommodation on local communities, with councillors highlighting the need for careful consideration of placement and support to ensure the well-being of both residents and neighbours. The council acknowledged these concerns and is looking to offer a higher variety of accommodation types through recommissioning services next year, diversifying its options beyond HMOs to include more self-contained units and high-support units.
In response to a question about veterans, it was stated that while the council asks about military service, the number of veterans identified as rough sleeping in Kingston is believed to be very low. The council does offer priority to veterans within its housing allocation scheme.
Additionally, the council is working with partners to forecast future issues, particularly in light of the cost of living crisis, and is developing a supported housing strategy to identify gaps in provision. A long-term rough sleeping plan aims to halve the number of long-term rough sleepers over the next three years.
