Homelessness risk as 'vital' services axed

Framework, which offers support for people at risk of homelessness in Bassetlaw and other areas of the county, announced that it will no longer be able to help people outside the city of Nottingham after the closures of five of its specialist centres.

This is due to a decision by Nottinghamshire County Council, who say they are facing budget pressures, not to renew contracts with the charity this year.

Framework’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, said: “The council has a legal duty to help homeless people. The Care Act obliges them to address support and care needs and thus avoid the exacerbations that end in a crisis. We tried to save these crucial services by asking everyone who benefits to make a small contribution. Sadly, they were unable to pool their resources in this way. We just couldn’t make it happen.”

“Rough sleeping is on the increase across the country but to date we have been able to limit the damage in Nottinghamshire. I fear the upward trend will now accelerate. “