Agenda item

- report of the Community Services Manager

The Community Services Manager submitted a report on current progress against the action plan attached to the Homelessness Strategy 2003-08.

In August, 2004, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the results of an independent evaluation of local authorities’ Homelessness Strategies which had been carried out by Housing Quality Network Services.  Their overall assessment was that Rotherham’s Strategy was an inclusive document which reflected an extensive multi-agency approach and showed a clear picture of homelessness in the area.  It also identified a lack of direct consideration of the health needs of the homeless and the lack of identified involvement of homelessness staff within the review strategy process as areas of weakness.  They would be looked to be addressed within the next financial year.  The Authority was now working with over 100 agencies with the main aim of trying to reduce homeless and getting it into their own strategies.  The Strategy would be reviewed and reshaped in line with the Authority’s future requirements.

There had been limited opportunities for progress since the 2004 progress report due to the previous staffing levels/use of Agency staff within the Homelessness Team.  However, the situation had been addressed with the restructuring of the Community Services Unit and the establishment of the Prevention and Support Team. 

There were also areas where progress was behind target which would be addressed by the newly formed Team.  The Homelessness Team was now the Prevention and Support Team with the emphasis on preventing homelessness rather than the present reactive team.  The development of the Choice Based Lettings Scheme and the Housing Advice Team would also have a positive impact on the Homelessness Strategy.

However, there were a number of areas where significant progress had been made e.g. mediation, elimination of the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for families, development of furnished tenancies.  Ongoing monitoring was being undertaken to ensure that the progress was sustained.

Discussion ensued on the report.  The following points were raised/clarified:-

§                     The Team was now fully staffed and undertaken rigorous training.

§                     There was a campaign being undertaken to change people’s preconceived ideas/myths of a “homeless” person.

§                     Since April, 2004 to 25^th February, 2005, 2,027 homeless people had presented themselves of which 1,000 had been given advice and a full investigation of 1,022.  Full duty had been fulfilled to 520. 

§                     Homeless applicants were subject to a very rigorous procedure.

§                     There were occasions where placements had to be made outside of the Borough as the Authority had no direct access accommodation but not until every possibility had been tried.  Some overnight accommodation had been developed, 10 units across the Borough and also 30 units of interim accommodation where people were placed whilst undertaking investigation as to whether the Authority had a duty to them.  There were also 14 units for those suffering from domestic violence.  If all those were full and a single person presented themselves, an out of Borough placement would be sought.

§                     The Authority was working with the Rotherham Homelessness Project that was in the process of developing the White Swan for some form of direct access provision. 

Resolved:-  That the report be received and the progress to date against he action plan be noted.