UNISON has launched a Don’t Close My Home campaign calling on Notts County Council to withdraw its plans to cut £3.5m from emergency accommodation and other homeless services.
The union warns that the plans – which it called “cruel and short-sighted” – would see more rough sleepers, more begging and a greater use of busy hospital and GP services.
The UNISON campaign links the cuts to other proposed council cuts to welfare rights and mental health provision, and says that homeless people will have no home and no welfare rights service.
UNISON represents staff employed by housing charity Framework, which delivers the services that are under threat.
These include:
- all emergency accommodation units for people in the county who have nowhere else to go – at Sherwood Street in Mansfield, Russell House in Newark, Potter Street in Worksop and Elizabeth House in Gedling;
- all specialist supported housing that helps people with drug and alcohol problems and those leaving prison;
- move-on flats that facilitate sustainable resettlement;
- almost all support services to help vulnerable people in their own homes, including all crisis and homelessness prevention work.
The union says Framework estimates some 160 jobs could be put at risk, with no other alternative emergency housing provision being considered by the county council.
“UNISON knows government funding cuts are hitting councils hard,” said Mick Mortonl of Nottingham City Branch. “But these proposals will mean the end of all emergency homeless shelters and support, which thousands of people have used in the past.
“Homeless people in the county will have nowhere to turn to, and we fear increased costs to tax payers in terms of dealing with issues like begging and more referrals to busy hospitals and GP services rather than proper care and support.
“We find these proposals particularly cruel and short-sighted and want them withdrawn.”
UNISON is concerned at both the threat to jobs and to homeless peopple and Mr Morton, who organises voluntary sector workers in Nottingham City branch, added: “Framework staff do amazing things for people most in need – but the council plans to cut another £3.5m from these vital homelessness services.
“Staff have already endured wage cuts, restructuring and redundancies, and Framework states it cannot absorb further reductions.
“So if the council ploughs on regardless, homeless people and talented staff both face a desolate future. I urge people to back this campaign.”
There is still time for people to back the call to withdraw these cuts through the county council’s budget consulation, which ends on Friday 17 January.
UNISON is urging everyone who lives or works within the county to have their say. Details are on the Council website.
Nottingham county council website (link opens in new window)
Framework Housing Association website (link opens in new window)
UNISON Nottingham City branch(link opens in new window)
Key issue: cuts to local services
