THE fall in homelessness in York is predicted to continue, following renewed efforts to help people stay in their homes.

Council chiefs revealed that the anticipated number of York people accepted as homeless and in priority need in 2005/06 is expected to fall to 420 from 424 the previous year. The figure in 2003/04 stood at 460.

Extra local investment in tackling the problem and prevention work were said to be the main reasons behind the continued drop.

City of York Council is to invest a further £10,000 in the work in an effort to get people off the streets.

Becky Ward, the council's homeless prevention manager, said: "In 2004, we increased the number of homeless prevention officers from one to two, and this led to more proactive prevention work being carried out, such as negotiations with private landlords, and mediation to keep younger people in their family home, so that planned housing can be organised rather than using the emergency homeless route.

"Added to this is our work with the Citizen's Advice Bureau to provide a rent deposit scheme, and the provision of quick-response debt and benefit advice for those with housing debts.

"The council has earmarked a further £10,000 to further enhance this prevention work by expanding housing options and developing landlord

incentive schemes. This investment is being made with a view to saving resources in the longer term by preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place."

Major Paul Westlake, commanding officer at the Salvation Army Citadel, in Gillygate, praised the work of their drop-in centre and early intervention and prevention team in helping to reduce the figures.

"It's a sign that the methods we're using are effective and that our staff are doing a good job in getting out onto the streets and helping the homeless," he said.

"Our partnership with City of York Council is working well."

York MP Hugh Bayley was set to visit the Salvation Army's homeless team today to see their work in action. Workers offer people advice on a wide range of issues including drug, alcohol and benefit problems.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, March 17, 2006