An independent report into local authorities and their strategy for the homeless has heaped praise on Merton Council’s policies for being “comprehensive and well constructed.”

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has released an overview of all local authorities performance and has highlighted Merton for special praise.

The report states “Merton has a very well constructed strategy for dealing with the homeless. The comprehensive approach adopted by the authority is good practice in itself. Merton has adopted a multi-agency approach which involves working holistically with homeless people to resolve issues.”

The evaluations were carried out by Housing Quality Network Services on behalf of the ODPM .

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Steve Austin was delighted that the hard work and vision of Merton’s staff had been acknowledged.

“Following hard on the heels on the news that Merton are top of the London wide league table for having the fewest homeless families in temporary housing, this independent report recognises just how successful we have been in dealing with such an emotive and complicated issue.”

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Press Contact:
Matt Rickard
PR & Press Officer
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 3483