Steps to provide housing and support to prevent homelessness in St Albans have been put in place.
 

St Albans District Council plans to take action to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation in the city.
 

This includes plans to increase members of staff who provide support and advice to prevent homelessness.
 

A new temporary housing development will be opened at Brandom Mews, following the site’s redevelopment by North Hertfordshire Homes, in an aim to deal with the increase of people in temporary accommodation.
 

The number of people in temporary housing rose from 34 in July 2011 to 71 in August 2012.
 

Concillor Brian Ellis, housing portfolio holder, said: “During July and August, the housing team prevented 44 cases of people becoming homeless.
 

“They have done this by arranging for loans through the Credit Union, negotiating with people’s landlords, providing debt advice and finding alternative accommodation.
 

“The causes of the increase in the number of people in temporary households are numerous; the economic downturn being one.
 

“There have also been increases in parental evictions, cases of domestic violence resulting in homelessness and people being evicted by private sector landlords.
 

“Of the 71 cases of households in temporary accommodation, 11 are from outside the district.
 

“However, if we have reason to believe they are homeless and they are in priority need the council has to provide temporary accommodation regardless of the local connection.
 

“This is usually until such time as we can refer them to a local authority where they have a local connection.”