Agenda item

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 housing associations was highlighted to help prevent individuals from becoming homeless and reduce reliance on emergency situations.

Councillor Allen expressed concerns about moving from a three-year to a five-year strategy. It was noted that, while a strategic framework was important, clarification was sought on whether current conditions were sufficiently stable to support a five-year approach, or whether a shorter timeframe would allow greater flexibility to respond to emerging challenges. In response the Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health explained that a five-year strategy was considered the most appropriate approach to support long-term planning and partnership working. However, reassurance was provided that the strategy would be subject to annual review, allowing for amendments and changes in direction where necessary. It was noted that this approach would ensure sufficient flexibility to respond to emerging issues and changing conditions, such as legislative or economic developments.

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Allen regarding the current number of rough sleepers in Rotherham, it was confirmed that there were three individuals currently rough sleeping, with numbers remaining low, partly reflecting the impact of ongoing partnership work and support services.

Clarification was sought by the Chair on how the impact of the new legislation would be monitored, particularly in relation to increased tenant protections and understanding the circumstances in which individuals may become homeless. In response the Head of Housing Options, Michelle Kaye, reported that staff had received training on the Renters’ Rights Act and that monitoring arrangements would be put in place, including increased enforcement activity. It was noted that closer working with colleagues in CPU was planned, potentially through a jointly funded post, to support monitoring and assess the Act’s impact, with the aim of reducing evictions.

Councillor Brent sought clarification on how success would be measured, noting that increasing the number of council homes was one indicator. It was queried whether data was available to demonstrate how the strategy’s actions were contributing to reductions in homelessness, including how many individuals were being supported into accommodation and the overall impact on homelessness figures. The Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health confirmed that data was available to measure outcomes, although specific details were not provided at the meeting. The Chair agreed that the data could be shared with members at a later stage. Councillor Brent emphasised that, in measuring success, the focus should be on outcomes and impact, particularly in demonstrating reductions in homelessness. Appreciation was expressed for the commitment to provide supporting data.

The Cabinet Member for Housing noted that a reduction in temporary accommodation could be used as an indicator of success. At the end of March, 178 households were in temporary accommodation, representing a decrease of 25. It was acknowledged that while numbers had reduced, new cases continued to enter the system.

Councillor Monk sought clarification on the extent of trauma-informed practice across frontline services. While its inclusion in the strategy was welcomed, specific information was requested on the proportion of staff who had received comprehensive trauma-informed training, particularly in relation to assurance that this approach was embedded throughout services.

In response the Executive Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health reported that data on trauma-informed training was not available at the meeting, but that training had been rolled out across housing, adult social care and wider services in partnership with mental health colleagues. It was noted that uptake had been significant and well received. A review of future training provision was underway to consider a broader approach, recognising that different roles required varying levels of training. It was agreed that detailed figures would be shared with members after the meeting.

Councillor Yasseen noted that the involvement of individuals with lived experience of homelessness was welcomed, along with the strategy’s focus on a whole-service and preventative approach. However, concern was raised that the strategy set out an ambition rather than a detailed, measurable delivery programme. Clarification was sought on the absence of specific, measurable KPIs and how delivery against the identified priorities would be assessed. The Cabinet Member for Housing acknowledged that the strategy represented a continuation of ongoing work to address homelessness, given the evolving nature of need. It was confirmed that the document set out a high-level ambition and strategic framework. It was further noted that, subject to approval, a detailed action plan with measurable KPIs would be developed, with delivery expected by August.

Councillor Yasseen acknowledged that, while the development of a detailed action plan was welcomed, it would have been beneficial to include an initial outline within the report. A further query was raised regarding the impact of previous investment secured around the end of the COVID period to address homelessness, seeking clarification on how those resources had been used and what difference they had made, particularly in light of continued increases in demand.

The Executive Director reported that previous investment had been directed towards expanding the housing options workforce to enable a more proactive, prevention-focused approach, increasing access to support and early intervention. Funding had also been used to significantly expand the temporary accommodation portfolio and enhance support services to help individuals sustain tenancies and move on successfully. It was noted that this investment had contributed to improved outcomes, including a reduction in the use of hotel accommodation and an overall strengthening of support pathways for those at risk of homelessness.

Councillor McKiernan sought clarification on whether data was available for individuals who remained homeless beyond the 56-day statutory period, and whether this was being monitored to understand the reasons and inform service improvements. In response it was explained that the 56-day period applied to both prevention and relief duties, with continued support provided throughout. If cases were not resolved within this timeframe, a main duty could be triggered, requiring the Council to secure long-term accommodation. It was emphasised that cases were not closed prematurely and support continued until a suitable outcome was achieved unless specific conditions applied. Councillor McKiernan suggested that communication with service users could be clearer, particularly in explaining the process and automated messages. The service acknowledged that this could be improved, and a commitment was given to review communications and consider individual cases where required.

In response to Councillor Monk’s questions, it was clarified that data on individuals not owed a homelessness duty was not available at the meeting but could be provided. It was noted that all individuals approaching the service received advice and assistance, with an initial assessment undertaken to determine eligibility. Where a statutory duty was not owed, support focused on prevention through guidance and early intervention. It was further explained that eligibility criteria applied, including factors such as immigration status. In cases where individuals were not eligible for a homelessness duty, advice, signposting and referrals to other services, such as social care where appropriate, were provided to ensure support was still available.

Councillor Tinsley raised concerns regarding the timeliness of the rapid response for individuals presenting as homeless, particularly outside standard working hours. It was noted that those presenting late in the week may not receive in-person support until the following week, which could leave them without immediate assistance. Clarification was sought on whether staffing resources and out-of-hours provision were being reviewed to improve response times and ensure more consistent coverage across all areas. The Executive Director confirmed that a 24-hour homelessness support line was in place, providing access to assistance outside standard working hours. It was noted that this service could be accessed directly or through partners such as the police or other agencies. While recognising that some individuals may be unable or unwilling to make contact, assurance was provided that out-of-hours support was available and that calls were responded to promptly, including over weekends.

Further clarification was sought by Councillor Tinsley on whether physical, in-person responses were available outside normal hours, as concerns were raised that in practice support had been limited to advice until the next working day. It was suggested that specific cases could be shared for follow-up.

A second query was raised regarding the housing allocations policy, particularly the requirement for a local connection. Clarification was sought on how individuals presenting as homeless from outside the borough were supported and what assistance was available to them. The Head of Housing Options explained that where an individual presented without a local connection to the area, this would be assessed and liaison would take place with the relevant local authority to arrange appropriate support or reconnection. It was noted that this approach was in line with legislation. In cases where there was an identified risk in returning to that area, interim support would be considered while working with the relevant authority to ensure suitable arrangements were made.

Clarification was sought by Councillor McKiernan on whether the strategy included plans to increase supported temporary accommodation, particularly provision with on-site staff to assist residents. Reference was made to the benefits of such models, especially for individuals with complex needs. It was also queried whether this formed part of the multi-agency approach, to ensure more integrated and consistent support was provided. The Cabinet Member for Housing noted that members had previously approved the expansion of the Housing First model as part of the budget. This approach separated the landlord function from support provision, enabling stronger engagement with individuals. It was confirmed that funding had been secured and a procurement process completed to deliver wraparound support through partner organisations, supporting the provision of enhanced supported accommodation.

The Chair sought clarification on the number of individuals becoming homeless from within the Council’s own housing stock, for example due to tenancy issues, and whether measures were in place to prevent homelessness wherever possible. The Cabinet Member for Housing confirmed that efforts were made to prevent homelessness within the Council’s own housing stock wherever possible through early intervention, including joint working with income recovery, housing officers and support services. It was noted that evictions were rare, with two reported in the current year, and were used only as a last resort, typically in cases of non-engagement or serious issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Yasseen sought clarification on whether the current budget was sufficient to meet increasing demand and complexity of homelessness cases. Concern was raised that, given the upward trend and anticipated continued pressures, it was unclear whether existing funding would remain adequate or if additional resources might be required in future. In response the Executive Director acknowledged that, while additional resources could not be ruled out, the current position was supported by a range of external grants which were used to target key areas of work. It was noted that efforts were focused on making effective use of existing resources, including improving move-on from temporary accommodation to reduce demand. Ongoing consideration was given to resource needs, including the use of grant funding to enhance supported accommodation and strengthen the housing options service in response to changing pressures.

Resolved: That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board supported the 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:
   1. Any minor data amendments to the Strategy prior to publication.
   2. The Action Plan, following its development, including any amendments arising from annual reviews.

Additional recommendations to Cabinet from OSMB were that:

4. That the Action Plan clearly indicates any essential (“must deliver”) actions from scalable or discretionary activity, including setting out risk mitigation arrangements where funding or capacity reduces, and ensures any material departure from planned delivery be reported to the relevant scrutiny commission.
5. That specific performance measures be developed for households with multiple support needs, covering prevention successes, and repeated homelessness, and that this cohort be reported separately in monitoring reports.

Further actions that arose from discussions were that:

·       That data be provided to OSMB demonstrating the impact of the work undertaken on reducing homelessness, along with the percentage of staff who have completed trauma-informed training.

·       That data be provided on individuals owed or eligible for the homelessness duty.