Oxford City Council is set to establish a new face-to-face centre at 15–17 George Street.
The centre will enhance support for residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness, while delivering projected savings of £150,000 a year.
The aim is to strengthen the focus on homelessness prevention, building on the significant investment made in prevention services over recent years. Currently, most homelessness assessments are carried out by phone, but in-person services enable more tailored support, better identification of health and wellbeing needs, and improved decision-making. This approach is expected to particularly benefit single people with support needs.
The new larger site on George Street has been identified to host the enhanced in-person service, alongside continued home visiting and phone support for those unable to attend. The Council’s existing customer service function at Central Library is also expected to relocate to the new centre, with potential to co-locate partner services.
Work is underway to establish the service, with a planned launch in spring 2026, supported by approved capital and revenue funding.
The Council currently provides face-to-face appointments from the Customer Service Centre located within Oxford Westgate Library, a space shared with Oxford Citizens Advice. While this arrangement worked well for the Council’s current offer, the library does not have the space for new expanded in-person services, with desk space available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays for clients needing support with housing. No additional areas are available in the library to expand the service.
Comment
“With the move to George Street, we are significantly strengthening our face-to-face offer for residents while delivering real value for money. This new centre will allow us to provide a five-day-a-week service in a space designed for privacy, accessibility, and effective partnership working.
“This is a positive step forward for both residents and staff, and one that ensures we can continue delivering high-quality support in the heart of Oxford.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming residents to the new centre once works are complete.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
Following an extensive search, 15–17 George Street was identified as the most suitable, available site that meets operational needs in both size and layout. The large, open-plan unit will provide:
-
a welcoming reception area
-
open-plan desks for customer interactions
-
three private interview rooms
-
level access, single-floor facilities for staff and residents.
The new centre will allow the Council to increase face-to-face homelessness service availability from the current two-day-a week to a five-day-a-week service. The site’s central location makes it easy to reach using public transport from all parts of the city.
By relocating from the Westgate Library to George Street and expanding the face-to-face offer, the Council expects to improve service accessibility, enhance support for vulnerable residents, and achieve the projected annual saving through reduced placement rates.
Rate this page
