Plans progress to tackle homelessness in West Northants

04 June 2025

Plans to recommission a vital housing support service at Oasis House in Northampton and provide continued care for people with a history of rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness are set to move forward.

Following approval at last night’s Cabinet meeting (Tuesday, 3 June), a competitive procurement process to commission a new Support Provider will commence. The service will enable West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to address gaps in the current homelessness and rough sleeping pathway by delivering tailored support to individuals with multiple and complex needs.

The commissioned service will begin in October 2025 and be funded from the ringfenced external government Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant. This grant consolidates former Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) and the Accommodation for Ex-Offenders (AFEO) grants into a single funding stream for 2025-26 provided through the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Oasis House currently accommodates residents across 48 studio flats and 11 en-suite rooms. The new service will support these residents to sustain their accommodation, rebuild their lives, and transition to long-term independent living.

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“We are committed to tackling homelessness and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The recommissioning of this service ensures a vital lifeline remains in place at Oasis House, providing person-centred support to help residents move forward and reduce repeated homelessness. This will also play an essential role in our wider strategy to improve housing stability, health outcomes, and community wellbeing across West Northamptonshire.”Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing at WNC

The newly commissioned provider will work in partnership with WNC, Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), and other agencies to deliver trauma-informed care, supporting residents with mental health, substance misuse, and tenancy skills. The aim is to improve health, reduce dependency on emergency services, and offer long-term solutions to homelessness.

The move follows Cabinet approval earlier this year to acquire Oasis House, which will secure its future as a cornerstone of WNC’s homelessness prevention strategy. Community engagement and consultation with service users, professionals, and partners are underway to help shape a service that meets current and future needs.

Find more information around homelessness support services in West Northamptonshire on the WNC website.