The issue of rough sleeping continues to make the headlines both nationally and in Reading. I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two people sleeping rough in recent months, and my thoughts are with their families.
I want to assure Reading’s residents that we will continue to do everything we can to tackle and eradicate rough sleeping. We already offer a comprehensive package of support for people sleeping rough in Reading which is over and above that provided in many local authority areas, but it is important to recognise that for a variety of reasons offers of accommodation are not always taken up. That is why working even more closely with other partners and services and ensuring even stronger communication and sharing of information with local charities, community and faith groups, will help tailor support to the more specific needs of individuals, the complexities of which are often a barrier to engagement for many.
This is one aspect of our new five-year strategy to help prevent homelessness and rough sleeping in Reading, which was approved on Tuesday.
The new strategy focuses on three key priorities:
Early intervention to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping
Breaking the cycle of homelessness and rough sleeping when prevention has not been possible
Ensuring everyone can access safe, settled, and affordable housing
Reading’s Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 – 2031 sets out a ‘Shared Responsibility, Shared Voice and Shared Solutions’ approach. This acknowledges that no one organisation can solve the ongoing issue of rough sleeping and that partnership working – across the Council, with other public services and organisations, and those who have directly experienced homelessness – will be a key factor in tackling the ongoing problem.
Continued growth in people living in Reading, fast-rising housing costs, and sustained pressure on temporary accommodation over a number of years have combined to make rough sleeping and homelessness a major issue nationally, as well as in Reading.
Reading’s new strategy follows a comprehensive public and stakeholder consultation last summer, which enabled residents and the Reading’s homelessness charities and community partners to help shape its key principles. It will help prevent and address homelessness in all its forms – not only for people sleeping rough, but also for those at risk of losing their home – providing a level of support that goes well beyond that offered in many other local authority areas.
We already provide over 270 bed spaces across our Homelessness Support Services to help single people and couples who are found rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping. In addition we work with commissioned charity partner St Mungo’s to deliver a rapid Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) response during extreme hot and cold temperatures, protecting the most vulnerable from the elements.
I am aware that some people would like to see a permanent night shelter set up in Reading, believing that it would solve the issue. However national best practice and the Government’s Operating Principles for Night Shelters state that councils should prioritise self‑contained accommodation, rather than permanent communal shelters.
In order to support long term recovery, we will continue to support FAITH’s Bed for the Night winter shelter, providing annual grant funding to sustain this model. In addition, year‑round emergency provision at The Salvation Army currently includes three respite beds and two direct‑access rooms. Off-the-street capacity will increase to 12 spaces by May 2026 through additional rooms and a self‑contained four‑unit block.
As always, we would encourage members of the public to report any concerns they have about someone sleeping rough via www.thestreetlink.org.uk which ensures outreach teams can locate them and quickly offer them support. People can also approach the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Service directly at the Civic Centre on Bridge Street during opening hours, or call the team on 0118 937 2165 or 01344 351 999 in an out of hours emergency after 5pm or at weekends. More information can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/housing/homelessness
Cllr Liz Terry is leader of Reading Borough Council
