Early progress: Wirral's homelessness strategy begins to make an impact
Fewer households are relying on temporary accommodation and more Wirral residents are getting help before reaching crisis point, according to new figures highlighting early success for Wirral Council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030.
One of the Strategy's key priorities is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and ensure households can access suitable accommodation at the earliest opportunity, and the latest figures show encouraging early signs of progress following its introduction.
As part of this work, the council has been focusing on reducing its reliance on bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation, particularly for families, by helping residents access more appropriate housing options and alternative temporary accommodation.
Councillor Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said:
Reducing our reliance on bed and breakfast accommodation is a key priority because we know people should be supported into suitable, stable accommodation as quickly as possible.
I'm particularly pleased that we've seen a significant reduction in the number of families living in B&B accommodation, alongside a reduction in the overall use of temporary accommodation.
Since March this year, the number of households living in B&B accommodation has reduced from 154 to 129, a reduction of more than 16%. Over the same period, the number of families living in B&B accommodation has fallen from 37 to 20, representing a reduction of almost 46%.
The overall number of households living in temporary accommodation has also reduced from 213 to 188, a decrease of nearly 12%.
The latest data also points to growing success in preventing homelessness before it occurs. Active homelessness cases have reduced from 1,026 in March 2025 to 968 in July 2026, while homelessness triage cases have fallen from 413 to 331. At the same time, prevention work has increased significantly, with prevention cases rising from 144 to 209 as more residents receive support earlier.
Cllr Basnett added:
These are encouraging early signs that the approach set out in our Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy is beginning to make a difference. More people are receiving help earlier and more households are being supported before they reach crisis point.
We know there is still a long way to go. The shortage of affordable housing continues to be a major challenge both locally and nationally, and many councils are facing increasing demand for homelessness support.
While there is no quick fix, we are already seeing the benefits of stronger partnership working through our Strategic Housing Partnership. Together with housing providers, developers and other partners, we are focused on increasing the supply of homes, improving housing pathways and ensuring more residents receive support before they reach crisis point.
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-2030 sets out the council's long-term approach to preventing homelessness, improving access to accommodation and support services, and reducing rough sleeping across the borough.
While challenges remain, the early figures suggest that a stronger focus on prevention, earlier intervention and improved housing pathways is helping to deliver positive outcomes for residents and families across Wirral.
