Councils Achieve High Homelessness Prevention Rates
South and Vale districts report success in housing vulnerable households, exceeding national averages.
By Laura Medhurst
••3 min read
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A key being placed into the lock of a front door, symbolising housing security.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have demonstrated a strong record in preventing homelessness, successfully securing accommodation for a significant majority of at-risk individuals and families.
With World Homelessness Day on Saturday 10 October, the focus is on raising awareness of the needs of people experiencing homelessness and highlighting preventative work. In South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, this involves collaboration with partner agencies and property acquisition to provide homes.
The councils' housing team has achieved a remarkable success rate, securing accommodation for approximately 78 per cent of individuals at risk of homelessness within the past five years. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of around 55 per cent. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and other local agencies, the councils have effectively supported households to avert homelessness.
Since 2023, the team has facilitated the move of nearly 400 homeless households from temporary to long-term housing, with 186 in South Oxfordshire and 198 in the Vale of White Horse. Concurrently, over 3,300 households (1,298 South, 2,064 Vale) have been housed via the housing register.
This proactive approach extends to supporting rough sleepers. Despite a national increase, both councils have managed to maintain low numbers. The annual autumn rough sleeper count in 2025 identified nine rough sleepers in South Oxfordshire and five in the Vale of White Horse, all of whom were offered support by the housing team.
Since 2020, the councils have also been involved in resettlement schemes for individuals displaced by war and conflict, including those from Ukraine and Afghanistan, providing sanctuary and support.
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"We are proud of the councils’ record when it comes to prevention of homelessness which can have a devastating effect on individuals and families. People at risk of becoming homeless often have complex needs that require a coordinated approach. Our officers work with partner agencies and make those connections with extremely positive results."
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"Our commitment to our most vulnerable residents is the most vital part of the role. Homelessness in England has increased significantly in the last decade due to rising rents, the cost-of-living crisis, and a shortage of affordable housing. We are looking to tackle this by providing council housing – becoming social landlords for the first time since 1997. With the help of government funding, South and Vale have acquired 81 homes (56 in South Oxfordshire and 25 in the Vale) to date. These properties will provide suitable, affordable homes for local people and help reduce the risk of homelessness in our districts further."
The councils have acquired 81 homes to date (56 in South Oxfordshire and 25 in the Vale of White Horse) with government funding. These properties will offer suitable, affordable housing for local residents, further reducing the risk of homelessness.
