Dorset Council’s temporary accommodation (TA) rates have dropped by over half following the launch of ‘successful prevention initiatives’.

The local authority has revealed that the figures, which now stand at 180, have decreased substantially after reaching new heights of almost 400 two years ago.

According to the council, ‘upfront investment’ in early intervention and preventative services has contributed to the improvement, allowing the local authority to carry out the ‘crucial’ process of identifying risk and acting before crisis point.

Alongside the improved TA numbers, the council’s homelessness prevention rate has progressed significantly, increasing to 80% following the rollout of promising new schemes.

Among its successful programmes, the council has highlighted the positive outcome of its the ‘Key4Me scheme’, which seeks to boost offers extended to landlords and has seen 100 homeless or at-risk households benefit from ‘resolved’ situations in the earlier summer months.

The local authority has also implemented two new support and accommodation schemes, including 11 accommodation units for those experiencing homelessness, backed by funding from the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).

Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio lead for Housing, Health and Community Safety, said: ‘These figures reflect the impact of Dorset's proactive approach to homelessness prevention, supported by strong partnerships with organisations such as Shelter, Julian House, the Lantern Trust and Bus Shelter Dorset.

‘We are also grateful to our many private landlords who have been instrumental in supporting us to prevent homelessness and I would encourage others to come forward and further support us.’

She added: ‘But we know we must do more, and we are also working on new ways to supply homes for people who need genera and specialist housing.’