Agenda item

To receive an update report in respect of progress against the Rough Sleeper Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report providing an update on progress against Aim 4 “To End Rough Sleeping and Begging in Rotherham.” The presentation included a description of actions taken since the last update on 14 July 2020, and identified the types of accommodation provided, demographics regarding people who have been accommodated under the strategy, and information about funding and sustaining the scheme. It was noted that an upcoming review of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy was planned to commence in September 2021.

In discussion, Members expressed a desire for more information regarding the sustainability of the programme in terms of skilled staff and in terms of funding over the long term, especially in view of the implications of COVID on employment and housing. The response described ongoing and anticipated challenges of obtaining new acquisitions quickly in a buoyant housing market as well availing and retaining skilled staff on short-term grant-defined contracts.

Members wished to know if the strategy was appropriate in the view of officers given the new pressures presented by the pandemic. The response from officers affirmed that the strategy had strengthened the service, especially as regards partnership working.

Members requested additional details regarding the partnership working with Drug and Alcohol Treatment programmes. The response from officers described the offer of Drug and Alcohol Treatment where customers are receptive.

Members requested more details about the experience of families with children. The response from officers illustrated the efforts to help families with children into temporary accommodation rather that hotels. If someone does go into a hotel if the service is struggling for space, every effort is made to get them into more appropriate temporary accommodation as soon as possible. Because of the strong partnership working sub-regionally, someone who approaches a service in one of the areas would receive the same response in Rotherham.

Members requested clarification around the appeal process, and what happens to people who request a review. Officers provided assurances that individuals must be accommodated while the review is undertaken, in compliance with the law.

Members also requested additional details around savings and forecasting of costs, which were offered outside the meeting.

Members also asked for clarification around the changing role of private landlords. The response noted that private rented housing can be difficult to access because private landlords often prefer applicants who are working.

Further assurances were requested around the housing of veterans who may later be accessing the homelessness service. Officers provided assurances that veterans are prioritised for housing accommodation with the highest band in the housing allocation policy.

Assurances were requested that accommodation is provided for individuals who have dogs. Officers indicated that predominantly the new acquisitions would be houses rather than flats, and these would be exempt from the bedroom tax. As such, they would have gardens and would be pet-friendly.

Further clarification was requested as to the status of the two rough sleepers indicated in the report who were not currently accessing services. Officers confirmed there were no rough sleepers at the time of the meeting. New people who approach the service who are not in priority need, that is, single people, negotiations with family and friends can be undertaken with the lifting of restrictions. This prevents the use of temporary accommodation, including hotels, by single people, and frees up temporary accommodation for families.

Further information was raised about the role of the private rental sector. Assurances were provided that there is a designated officer who monitors the private sector opportunities and potential schemes which may be of use.

Resolved:-

1.    That the reports be noted.

2.    That the next update be brought back following the completion of the upcoming internal service review.

3.    That the update provide further assurances around sustainability of the service especially as regards costs, and staff salaries and skills, and repeat customers.