Issue - meetings

Report from the Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Notes the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy consultation summary report.

2.    Approves the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2026-31.

3.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public  ...  view the full agenda text for item 165

Consideration was given to the report which presented the findings from the review of the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2023-2026 and sought approval for the new Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2026-2031. Homelessness remained a significant challenge across the UK, with local authorities facing sustained increases in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 165

Report from the Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Notes the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy consultation summary report.

2.    Approves the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2026-31.

3.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health to approve:

a)    Any minor data amendments to the Strategy prior to publication.

b)    The Action Plan, following its development, including any amendments arising from annual reviews.

At the Chair’s invitation, the Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Beresford presented the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2026-2031, outlining a five?year strategic framework to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping in Rotherham. The strategy was aligned with the Government’s national plan (December 2025) and the Council’s duties under the Homelessness Act 2002, and followed a comprehensive review of local trends, which showed rising demand, including a 25% increase in approaches and growing complexity of need.

It was reported that factors included increasing housing costs, the cost-of-living crisis and limited access to affordable housing. Of 4,254 households owed a homelessness duty, a significant proportion had multiple support needs. The strategy therefore prioritised early intervention, prevention and partnership-led approaches.

Extensive consultation had been undertaken over eight weeks with residents, partners and stakeholders, with 46.8% of respondents having lived experience of homelessness. Four key priorities were outlined: preventing homelessness through early intervention; increasing access to suitable affordable homes; ensuring timely, targeted support; and tackling rough sleeping through prevention and rapid response.

It was noted that the strategy set high-level objectives rather than a detailed delivery plan. Subject to approval, a detailed action plan would be developed with partners and published before autumn, supported by regular performance monitoring, annual review and existing scrutiny arrangements. Overall delivery responsibility would sit with the Service Director for Housing.

The Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health, Ian Spicer added that the report highlighted key achievements from the previous strategy, which had informed the proposed priorities. It was noted the continued emphasis on a collective council approach to preventing homelessness, reflecting its ongoing importance as a key strategic priority.

The Chair invited members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) to raise questions and queries, starting with Councillor Blackham, who expressed support for the priorities, but clarification was sought on two aspects. Queries were raised regarding the process and support in place for individuals already rough sleeping, including how they were assisted into accommodation. Clarification was also requested on the support available for those at risk of becoming homeless, noting the importance of early intervention, and further detail was sought on the processes set out in the strategy.

The response from the Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the approach to supporting rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness. It was explained that outreach activity identified individuals through referrals and targeted engagement, working in partnership with organisations such as Shiloh and Rush House. Engagement was prioritised to enable access to support, including temporary accommodation such as Queen Street hostel. For individuals with complex needs, a multi-agency “Housing First” approach was used, providing wrap around support to help sustain accommodation and prevent repeat homelessness.

In relation to prevention, it was noted that the strategy focused on early intervention to support those at risk of homelessness. This included identifying underlying causes, such as domestic abuse, relationship breakdown or loss of private rented accommodation, and allocating a named officer to develop solutions. Work with private landlords and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144