Tackling homelessness and rough sleeping is a "high priority", Wycombe District Council has said - as it urges residents to give their feedback on a new strategy to improving housing for all.

Rough sleeping and homelessness is an ongoing issue in High Wycombe town centre - with dozens of people sleeping and begging on the streets.

The council wants to hear views from residents - and anyone interested in housing issues - to help them "refine" their approach to improving housing across the district.

The views will help shape their proposed 2020 - 2022 homelessness, rough sleeping and affordable housing strategy.

The proposed strategy will set out the steps the council will take up until 2022, at which stage a combined strategy for the new Buckinghamshire Council will come into effect.

The steps include:

- Continuing to gather information on rough sleeps and current levels/trends.

- Carry out an annual street count/estimate

- Compare stats for Wycombe District with other councils

- Support and monitor the current Outreach Service in Bucks for assisting rough sleepers to access accommodation and support

- Provide targeted support for rough sleepers, using Flexible Homelessness Support Grant; Rapid Rehousing Pathway funding etc - working towards the aim of ending rough sleeping

- Develop closer working relationships with agencies specialising in support for clients affected by mental health issues

- Support people at risk of homelessness at the earliest opportunity

- Continue to work closely with Wycombe Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme to assist people who are not in priority need

- Encourage provision of emergency accommodation during periods of severely cold weather

- Minimise use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation - no placement of family households into B&B other than in "exceptional circumstances"

- Provide funding for a project for eight extra homes to be let to homeless families

- Strengthen links with the prison service and develop a protocol for prisoner leavers

- Continue to work closely with Women's Aid services in helping victims of domestic abuse

- Reduce the number of long-term empty homes and work with owners to bring empty homes back into use

Cllr Julia Langley, cabinet member for housing, said: “Wycombe District Council places a high priority on tackling homelessness, rough sleeping and affordable housing issues and we actively work in partnership with local organisations and charities to find the best outcome for those affected.

“Following a review of our previous strategy by the housing charity Shelter, we are sharing our proposed action plans to work with people who are at risk of, or have become, homeless as well as those who are sleeping rough.

“The draft strategy also includes our actions regarding affordable housing in general, including private sector housing enforcement, houses of multiple occupation and disabled facility grants.

“We would welcome feedback from anyone who wishes to comment. Please do take a look and have your say.”

A public consultation will run for eight weeks from Monday, August 5, to Monday, September 30, at 11.59pm.