Help shape Buckinghamshire's plans to prevent homelessness and support local people

Residents, community groups, businesses and local organisations are being invited to help shape the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2027 to 2032, with a six-week consultation that is now live.

By focusing on early intervention and prevention, the Council aims to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping, improve community wellbeing and ensure Buckinghamshire remains a place where individuals and families can thrive.

The strategy, developed with local partners, focuses on three key areas:

• Preventing homelessness early by identifying people who may be struggling and providing help as soon as possible, before they lose their home.
• Reducing the need for temporary accommodation and where necessary, ensuring it is safe and suitable, while helping people move into settled housing as quickly as possible.
• Supporting people to rebuild their lives by helping them move into affordable, settled housing and access the support they need to live independently and thrive.

Mark Winn, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:

"Preventing homelessness is about more than housing. It is about helping people maintain their independence, supporting families through difficult times, and ensuring residents can access help before problems escalate into crisis. Our strategy places a strong emphasis on working together with partners and adopting a One Council approach. By doing so, we can address wider support needs, including access to training, employment, health services and other opportunities that help residents build stable and independent lives.

“Supporting residents experiencing housing difficulties and tackling rough sleeping As national policy continues to evolve, we will build on the work already taking place locally and ensure the final strategy is supported by a clear, measurable action plan and reflects new requirements. Yet is flexible enough to move with national policy changes. "Preventing homelessness is at the heart of our approach. By providing support earlier and making it easier for people to access help, we can reduce the risk of homelessness and prevent it where possible.

“We're also committed to learning from those with first-hand experience of homelessness and working with local communities to help shape services that respond to people’s needs.

“We want as many people as possible to get involved, so whether you've experienced homelessness yourself, work with vulnerable people, or simply care about your local community, I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to share your views so we can develop a plan to help more local people access a safe, secure place to call home."

Residents are encouraged to come along to one of two drop-in events on Wednesday 23 September, to learn more about the proposed strategy and share their views. Council representatives will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the proposals and gather feedback. The events are taking place at:

• Aylesbury Library (Large Meeting Room), Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UU - 10am to 12 noon
• High Wycombe Library (Green and White Rooms), 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe, HP11 2DH - 2.30pm to 4.30pm
  

"Residents can also take part by completing the survey online at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.

Anyone with questions, or require this information in another format or language, can email: [email protected]

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Find out more about the consultation, the drop-in events and have your say at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.