Cambridge council denies lawyer’s plea to address homelessness

'Not appropriate' for him to address housing strategy meeting

Cambridge city council has denied a solicitor's request to address an extraordinary meeting about the city's homelessness strategy.

Solicitor Greg Wallace had written to the council asking to speak at the meeting on Monday, July 18, but his request was refused.

In a letter to Mr Wallace, council chief executive Stephen Kelly said it would not be "appropriate" for him to address the meeting.

Mr Wallace said he was "disappointed" by the council's decision.

"I believe that I have a lot to offer the discussion on homelessness in Cambridge," he said.

"I have been working with homeless people for over 20 years, and I have a deep understanding of the issues they face."

Mr Wallace said he wanted to speak at the meeting to share his ideas on how to tackle homelessness in the city.

"I believe that we need to take a more proactive approach to homelessness," he said.

"We need to provide more affordable housing, and we need to do more to support people who are at risk of becoming homeless."

The council said it was committed to tackling homelessness in the city.

"We are working closely with our partners to develop a new homelessness strategy," a council spokesperson said.

"The strategy will be open and transparent, and we will engage with all stakeholders, including Mr Wallace."

The extraordinary meeting of the council's housing strategy committee will be held on Monday, July 18, at 6pm in the council chamber.

The meeting will discuss the council's new homelessness strategy.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.