As the UK approaches a general election, the housing crisis is truly in the political spotlight. Those managing emergency accommodation (EA) and temporary accommodation (TA) are at the sharp point of that crisis. Any changes in the political landscape will significantly impact on funding, policies, and operational approaches. With this in mind, there are five critical steps that those operators in EA and TA should consider.
Understand what the parties are actually saying It's vital to closely examine the policies of the main political parties. The external noise out there can at best be confusing; at worst disingenuous. Labour will generally see the solutions being provided by the state, whereas the Conservatives focus on the private sector and the individual helping to provide the solutions. Understanding these nuances will help in planning for adjustments in strategy following the election.
Stakeholder Engagement Listen, engage, learn. It’s important that the EA and TA story is told again and again and that it is done well. With a wide range of stakeholders, including local government, the voluntary sector, and community groups, to discuss potential outcomes of the election and their implications. This dialogue can offer diverse perspectives and prepare you for different scenarios, fostering a collaborative approach to managing any changes in policy or funding.
Budget Flexibility Given that election outcomes can lead to shifts in funding priorities, it's essential to prepare for budgetary changes. This might involve identifying areas where costs can be reduced without compromising service quality, exploring alternative funding sources, and planning for a range of funding scenarios. A flexible budgeting approach will allow for quicker adaptation to the post-election financial landscape.
Focus on Prevention Regardless of the election outcome, focusing on preventative measures to reduce the demand for EA and TA remains a priority. Initiatives such as early intervention programmes, rent support services, and partnership with mental health and job training services can mitigate the risk of homelessness. By emphasizing prevention, EA and TA managers can work towards sustainable solutions that are less dependent on the political climate.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement Engage proactively with your local political candidates to advocate for the needs of EA and TA residents. Highlighting the importance of stable funding, the complexity of resident needs, and the community benefits of effective EA and TA management can influence future policies. By becoming a vocal advocate, managers can help ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations are considered in policy-making processes.
Preparing for a general election requires a proactive and strategic approach. By staying informed, engaging with stakeholders, ensuring budget flexibility, focusing on prevention, and actively participating in advocacy, managers can navigate potential changes effectively, ensuring they continue to provide essential support to those in need.
Silverstone Communications have a proven track record of supporting providers of emergency accommodation and temporary accommodation in their mission and their effort to break down stereotypes surrounding them via early and meaningful engagement. We help those at the sharp end of addressing the housing crisis by encouraging solutions that work for communities. More than happy to help you navigate your way through these choppy waters.
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