BOURNEMOUTH council is “determined to move quickly” over changes to homelessness provision, leader John Beesley has pledged.

Under a new system, anyone seeking help is expected to go to the council instead of going straight to a hostel, such as the St Paul’s Night Shelter or the YMCA.

“It is vital that a robust system is put in place to help the most vulnerable in our community, which gives them exactly the support they need to move to a place where they can be independent,” Mr Beesley said.

“The new homelessness remodelling strategy will provide a better streamlined service ensuring people are less likely to re-enter the system through a revolving door of homelessness, whilst getting the right practical help they need to move on.”

In May, Cllr Beesley hinted at the changes when he said he wanted to find ways of getting more homeless people “back where they came from”.

At a Poole Hill Neighbour-hood Watch meeting Cllr Beesley said he wants to stop the town’s taxpayers from having to “carry the burden” of helping those who relocate to the resort with nowhere to live.

Council officers have been working with hostels on the new changes, planned to come into effect this month.

They will see people channelled through a three- tier system to become independently housed.

Des Persse, head of homelessness, substance misuse and offender management services, at BCHA, which runs St Paul’s night shelter, said: “We are working in partnership with the local authority on the remodelling strategy to ensure homeless people in Bournemouth get absolutely the best support needed to help them get back on their feet.

“We are in the final stages of finalising the detail and will closely monitor its implementation.”