Oxford homeless will be supported by new advice centre

The aim is to strengthen the focus on homelessness prevention, building on the significant investment in prevention services over recent years.

The new service will operate from the building at 15-17 George Street, where George Street Hotel is also located, and will replace a similar service now operating from the city’s central library at Westgate.

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The city council has stressed the new service will not be a centre for rough sleepers as there are drop-in centres already operating in other parts of the city, such as The Gatehouse in St Giles.

It will be for any homeless households in Oxford including families with children, and the council says the new service will deliver “projected savings” of £150,000 a year.

Oxford city councillor Nigel Chapman (Image: Oxford Labour)

Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services, said: “With the move to George Street, we are significantly strengthening our face-to-face offer for residents while delivering real value for money.

“This new centre will allow us to provide a five-day-a-week service in a space designed for privacy, accessibility, and effective partnership working. 

“This is a positive step forward for both residents and staff, and one that ensures we can continue delivering high-quality support in the heart of Oxford.”  

The number of rough sleepers in the city has fallen year on year since 2023, according to rough sleeper count figures released by the council.

Spot checks showed there were 46 rough sleepers in 2023, 41 in 2024 and 32 in 2025 although the council acknowledges the counts may not provide an entirely accurate picture of the precise total number of rough sleepers.

Currently, most homelessness assessments are carried out by phone, but in-person services allow more tailored support, better identification of health needs, and improved decision-making.

The council’s existing customer service function at the central library is also expected to relocate to the new centre.

Work is under way to establish the service, with a planned launch in spring 2026.

The council currently provides face-to-face appointments from the customer service centre located  at the central library,  a space shared with Oxford Citizens Advice.

George Street Hotel (Image: Google)

The library does not have the space for new expanded in-person services, with desk space available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays for clients needing support with housing. 

At 15–17 George Street, an open-plan unit will provide a reception area, open-plan desks, three private interview rooms, and single-floor facilities for staff and residents.

The new centre will allow the council to increase face-to-face homelessness service availability from the current two days a week to a five-day-a-week service.

The site’s central location makes it easy to reach using public transport from all parts of the city.  

The projected annual saving will be made through a reduction in placements to costly emergency accommodation, according to the council.

There is a coordinated approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in Oxford.

The city council works with Oxfordshire Homelessness Alliance – a partnership of six local charities – Aspire, St Mungo’s, A2Dominion, Connection Support, Elmore, and Homeless Oxfordshire.