Sheffield City Council has approved an updated action plan to build on progress made in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping across the city.

The revised Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy Action Plan 2025-2028 was approved yesterday (23 October) at a Housing Policy Committee meeting.

The new plan outlines new priorities designed to strengthen early intervention, expand housing options, and improve support for those at risk of homelessness.

Councillor Douglas Johnson, Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said the new action plan demonstrates the city’s determination to build on the progress already made.

He said: “We’re proud of the progress made in areas such as prevention measures and in reducing reliance on emergency accommodation, which we understand is not always the right environment for people.”

Figures from the council show that during the 2024-2025 period, the number of households presenting as homeless in Sheffield fell by 13.6%.

There has also been notable progress in preventing homelessness before it occurs, as around 36% of households seen at the prevention stage were successfully supported to avoid becoming homeless, in which more than three-quarters secured new housing, while the rest were able to remain in their existing homes.

The use of emergency accommodation, one of the council’s largest housing costs, has also reduced.

Temporary placements fell by 8% while the number of families placed in B&Bs dropped by 65%.

The number of people experiencing long-term rough sleeping also fell sharply, from 59% to 36% of all cases which is a rate better than both regional and national averages.

Councillor Johnson said: “But we can’t just sit back and be pleased with what has been done. More needs to be achieved and further improvements made. This updated action plan shows we will work with all our partners in this area to do just that.”

The report acknowledged that homelessness remains a persistent and complex challenge, driven largely by evictions, domestic abuse, and the loss of private renting housing.

The council also noted the growing presence of people evicted from Home Office accommodation and long-term rough sleeping, which peaked earlier this year.

To support the plan, Sheffield City Council has been awarded £1.5 million in government funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across the city.

More than £840,000 will be distributed next year, including £261,000 allocated to voluntary and community organisations for prevention initiatives.

The full report can be viewed on the council’s website.