Update

You said, we did: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 and Home Options 2026

We’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation on the proposed 2026-2031 Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the changes to the Home Options Policy. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping how we support people experiencing homelessness in Norwich to access and keep safe, sustainable housing, and in ensuring that those with the greatest need are prioritised on our housing register.

What you told us

We received a range of comments and suggestions through our online survey and from partners by email. Feedback that led to changes in our strategy included concerns about identity‑based abuse (e.g., LGBTQ+) and the need for clearer partnership working with charities. Feedback that led to changes in our Home Options proposal included difficulties verifying rough sleeping, requests for clearer information about the purpose of rough sleeping silver banding, the importance of showing that the council uses objective evidence in assessments and ensuring that people experiencing financial abuse are not prevented from joining the housing register.

What we’ve added to our strategy:

• We have added clear commitment to working with our charity partners to develop and strengthen our Pathways service in the city.
• We have maintained our commitment to monitoring the proportion of LGBTQ+, ethnic minority, and other vulnerable groups accessing our services, to ensure our approach is tailored to the needs of our city.
• We have committed to, and now signed-up for, the Stonewall Housing Pledge- a Stonewall initiative aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ resident equality and support within our services.

What we’ve changed to our Home Options policy proposal:

• Following feedback from the public and partners, and in line with the new national homelessness strategy, we have updated how we assess the needs of people sleeping rough. This includes using a personalised needs assessment. Silver banding will only be offered when no other off‑the‑street accommodation is available.
• We have updated our policy wording to make it clear that housing application decisions are based on objective evidence rather than opinion.
• We have changed how we refer to rent arrears caused by financial abuse, to ensure survivors are not unfairly prevented from joining the housing register when they need support.