This is an overview of the initial findings from the first phase of a systems-wide evaluation into homelessness and rough sleeping. It includes evidence collected during the first six months of the evaluation and offers early insights into some of the research questions. In addition to outlining the preliminary findings, the report contains reflections from the evaluation team on the current approach and suggests ways to refine it to enhance learning in the following phases of the evaluation.

This first phase of research is focussed on the role of MHCLG’s core homelessness and rough sleeping programmes and how they are affected by the wider the system. The evidence presented in this report combines findings from systems thinking analysis and fieldwork in five local authority areas. The report is clear that the system is not working as intended and Local Authorities are facing rising demand from people who have reached crisis point. This report highlights the need for a much greater focus on prevention and how disparate funding schemes are contributing to inefficiencies in the system.

The principal recommendations from the evaluation at this stage, is that there should be a cross-government focus on the prevention of homelessness rather than crisis relief. The report shows that:

1. The government spends most money and resources on crisis relief rather than on prevention

2. This focus on crisis relief means there is less capacity to attempt to tackle systems-level improvements.

3. There are other challenges competing for priority with homelessness at both individual-level and policy priorities.

4. There are strong examples of local partnerships working successfully on homelessness and rough sleeping but more coordination could be done.

Commissioned by MHCLG, our partners for this evaluation are RSM and Cordis Bright.

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