Refreshing the countywide Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026–2028 and inviting the public to help shape it.
With homelessness increasing and pressure on temporary accommodation at an all‑time high, Oxfordshire’s councils and partners are refreshing the countywide Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026–2028 and inviting the public to help shape it.
The two‑year plan aims to strengthen prevention, reduce rough sleeping, and make sure the county is prepared for major housing and governance changes ahead.
The updated strategy builds on the progress of the 2021–2026 countywide approach, the first of its kind in Oxfordshire. The transformational strategy delivered improvements such as a housing‑first approach, better outreach services, the development of the Oxfordshire Homelessness Alliance, and strong partnership working across housing, health, and social care.
Despite progress, homelessness in Oxfordshire, and across the UK, has continued to rise, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, lack of affordable housing, and increasing demand for temporary accommodation and specialist support. The number of households in temporary accommodation in Oxfordshire has nearly quadrupled since 2021/22, while rough sleeping remains a problem across the county.
The consultation and supporting documents are available on the City Council's portal.
A two-year strategy and plan for future
The current strategy will end in 2026, and Local Government Reorganisation is planned for 2028 so the update aims to help with a smooth transition. It will continue progress, stabilise services, and prepare the homelessness system for the new unitary local authority structure.
The strategy sets out five new priorities for 2026–2028:
- Prevention first: strengthening early intervention to stop homelessness and rough sleeping before it occurs
- Housing-led accommodation offer: moving away from a reliance on traditional supported accommodation models and towards settled homes with wraparound support when required
- Rapid move-on: reducing the time spent in temporary and/or supported accommodation, enabled by increased supply of affordable housing options
- Person-centred approach: embedding trauma‑informed and strengths-based practice, and ensure services are tailored to individual needs
- Strong partnerships: building deeper collaboration across councils, the NHS, social care, and the voluntary sector to deliver integrated solutions for individuals.
The updated plan also introduces new countywide Key Performance Indicators, improving transparency and accountability across all partners. These will track prevention outcomes, temporary accommodation use, rough sleeping levels, move‑on rates, and delivery of housing‑led solutions.
Have your say
Residents, voluntary and community groups, landlords, health partners, people with lived experience of homelessness, and other stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the six‑week consultation. Feedback will shape the final strategy before it is adopted by Oxfordshire’s councils later this year.
The consultation and all supporting documents can be found on Oxford City Council’s consultation portal until 23 May 2026.
Comment
Councillor Linda Smith, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Homelessness in Oxfordshire is growing in scale and complexity, and we know no single organisation can solve it alone. The updated strategy strengthens our collective commitment to prevent homelessness wherever possible, reduce rough sleeping, and help people into safe, secure homes. We want everyone’s views so we can build a strategy that truly reflects the needs of our communities.”
Councillor Geoff Saul, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Social Care, said: “Working in partnership across Oxfordshire is essential if we are to respond effectively to the growing pressures on housing and homelessness services. This refreshed strategy sets a clear direction for how we can strengthen prevention, improve access to stable homes and ensure support is in place for those who need it most. I would encourage residents and organisations to share their views and help shape a plan that delivers real, lasting impact across our communities.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “We strongly welcome this public consultation on a refreshed countywide Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Oxfordshire’s councils and partners have worked hard to support people facing homelessness, and this updated plan strengthens our shared commitment to prevention and early help. This consultation is a valuable opportunity for residents, service providers, and people with lived experience to help shape the future of homelessness support in Oxfordshire, and we encourage everyone to share their views.”
Councillor Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "Successfully tackling homelessness is more than just providing a roof over someone's head. Often homeless households require additional care and support from multiple agencies. The Oxfordshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy sets out how partner agencies will work closely together to provide long term, sustainable housing solutions for homeless households."
Councillor Tony Worgan, Cabinet Member for Housing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "The council has a strong track record in preventing and ending homelessness. The Oxfordshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy compliments the council's own Homelessness Strategy that is focussed upon preventing homelessness whenever possible and where it does happen, to make it brief and non re-occurring. Caring for the most vulnerable in our communities is the most important responsibility we have."
Partners involved in the strategy are:
- Oxford City Council
- Oxfordshire County Council
- South Oxfordshire District Council
- Vale of White Horse District Council
- Cherwell District Council
- West Oxfordshire District Council
- BOB-ICB
