Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Recommendations:-

1.    That the proposed Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019 – 2022 be approved.

2.    That the Strategy be reviewed annually to provide an update of progress against the six aims.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the new draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019-22.  The Strategy had been developed in consultation with Council staff, stakeholders and residents and set the key strategic priorities over the next 3 years.

There were 6 aims in the Homelessness Prevention  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Housing

Strategic Directorate:           Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Consideration was given to a report which was submitted by the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health for pre-decision scrutiny ahead of determination by the Cabinet at its meeting on 15 April 2019 in respect of the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Prevention Strategy for the period from 2019 to 2022. It was reported that the strategy had been developed in consultation with stakeholders, residents and other council departments and would set the key strategic priorities for the authority in over the three year period to 2022.

It was noted there were six aims in the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019-22:

·         To support people with complex needs

·         To prevent homelessness and offer rapid housing solutions to get people in urgent need rehoused quicker

·         To increase support for young people to prevent homelessness

·         To end rough sleeping and begging

·         To improve access to tenancy support, employment and health support services

·         To ensure there is sufficient decent emergency accommodation

Referring to an article in The Guardian published on 10 April 2019, Members sought assurances that the Council could afford meet its statutory responsibilities under homelessness legislation, particularly in the context of the authority’s own financial position. In response, officers confirmed that the costs for implementing the new legislation were significant for all local authorities and they had recognised the need to increase resources into the service. Three additional staff had been appointed in the Homelessness team and additional temporary emergency accommodation had been identified too. The costs associated with this were significant, but it was affordable at present despite spending more than previously.

Members were quick to commend officers from the Housing Service and the Cabinet Member for Housing on a robust plan and reiterated that homelessness prevention required good, affordable housing. The Board enquired whether officers had considered using office spaces or empty retail spaces for housing. In response, it was explained that consideration was being given a Property Guardian Scheme, where a building would be taken over and people would live in it which would remove the need to spend more on security and reduce the likelihood of vandalism.

Reference was made to the gap in provision for homeless persons with dogs and also provision for armed forces veterans. In response, it was acknowledged that there had been a gap in provision for homeless persons with dogs, but work had been undertaken to identify suitable accommodation which could be cleaned and hold more durable furniture. With regard to provision for armed forces provision, it was explained that Housing Allocation Policy gave the highest priority to such persons, but it was acknowledged that awareness of this provision was limited and needed to be better communicated.

Clarification was sought as to whether an evaluation had taken place in respect of the pilot in letting homeless persons sleep at Rotherham Fire Station. In response, it was confirmed that the pilot had worked very well and officers had been pleased at how well it had gone. Processes and protocols  ...  view the full minutes text for item 210