Council To Transform Housing Department, Including Tackling "Institutional Racism"

Bristol City Council has launched a £1.4million project to transform its housing department,  including tackling “institutional racism”. The aim is to improve the lives of people living in council homes, create a “world class” landlord service and put tenants at the heart of decisions. A report to council members said a survey of 3,300 tenants last autumn revealed they had six priorities, including a more visible housing team with a strong local presence, tackling antisocial behaviour and crime, improving estates’ safety and appearance, and making it easier for residents to get in touch with the council. Read more on the Bristol Post website.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-city-council-transform-housing-4214040

Rough Sleepers Being Arrested By Police Under 194-Year-Old Law

Homeless people sleeping rough in Bristol are still being arrested and detained by police officers using an almost 200-year-old law. 10 people in the last two years were apprehended under the Vagrancy Act of 1824, according to a Freedom of Information request. This is despite repeated calls by MPs, academics, charities and the public to scrap the law. Its use by police has been slammed in recent years by groups who say it criminalises beggars. Agencies have called the police’s use of the law “ridiculous” and “shambolic” particularly after it was discovered eight people between 2016 and 2017 had been arrested under the act. Read more on the Bristol Live website.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/rough-sleepers-being-arrested-police-2829146

Vulnerable Are on Verge of Losing Housing

People with drug addictions, depression and learning difficulties have spoken of their fears that they may soon become homeless. They are currently housed by Bristol Foundation Housing, which runs hostels for vulnerable adults. The association went into administration in August and has now been told by Bristol City Council that many of its residents will have their benefits cut. BFH relies on money from "enhanced housing benefit" from the council to support people living in its hostels and flats. Read more on the Bristol Post website.

Prefab Homes May 'Solve' City’s Housing Crisis

A return to the post-Second World War boom in prefabricated homes could help Bristol solve its worsening housing crisis.  More than 14,000 people are on its waiting list for homes in the city. But only 60 affordable homes are to be built this year. A report to go before Bristol City Council suggests prefabs could provide affordable homes on small brownfield sites quickly and cheaply.

Bristol mayor George Ferguson said the city has to be "flexible" about fulfilling its housing needs. The report will also recommend converting some of the city's empty office blocks into flats.  Read more on the Bristol Post website.