Agenda item

The Director of Housing submits a report providing information on the Homelessness Review and the formulation of a Homelessness Strategy.

Members will be invited to comment on the report.

The Director of Housing submitted a report providing information on the Homelessness Review and the formulation of a Homelessness Strategy.

The Director of Housing presented the item, it was noted that:

·         The current Homelessness Strategy would come to an end in 2023 after 5 years. At that point a new Strategy would be launched.

·         A public consultation took place between July and September taking feedback about existing Homelessness Services. 91 responses were received in total with a large number coming from the Voluntary Sector. This consultation informed the 2022 Homelessness Review on which the Strategy would be based.

·         The main challenges highlighted in the review were centred around the supply of affordable and social housing. Due to this there were increased wait times for Council homes meaning longer time spent in temporary accommodation. The other key issue was the affordability of the PRS.

·         Whilst there was success with getting rough sleepers off the street, there were increasing numbers of new rough sleeps still going onto the streets.

·         The Council were usually unable to assist those with no recourse for public funds so other move on accommodation was needed for them.

·         For ex-offenders there had been good progress with the launch of the new LLR wide protocol but there needed to be effective pathways across LLR with the upcoming opening of HMP Fosse Way.

·         Work was ongoing with Public Health to undertake the healthcare needs assessment for homeless people.

·         The main gaps in the Service highlighted by the consultation were on the need for more assistance accessing the PRS, the supply of temporary accommodation, and increased support for those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

·         Work had begun on drafting the new Strategy. The Strategy would include an action plan. The final proposed Strategy would be brought back to the Commission after public consultation.

In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that:

·         The Council worked with housing associations, with vacant properties being put through the choice based letting system. Therefore, registering with housing associations was not needed for getting those homes.

·         The priority for homelessness groups was getting people off of rough sleeping, therefore certain donations that sustained a street lifestyle might not be wanted. It was suggested that items such as warm clothing could be donated to foodbanks or other suitable charities.

·         Over winter there would be an arrangement where nobody would need to sleep rough.

·         There were arrangements to ensure quality in the private rented sector for those on the homelessness pathway. Including ensuring a minimum 12-month contract and that properties were fully checked. Landlords were also encouraged to get in touch with the Council when issues occurred with those on the homelessness pathway.

·         The Government intended to reform Section 21 to stop no fault evictions. The Council supported this.

·         There were pressures with staff shortages and the number of family cases.

·         Tenants needed to play their part once the Council was informed of a possible conviction including potentially looking for other accommodation as part of their agreed plan.

·         The Service was successful in preventing homelessness in 70% of cases.

AGREED:

That the Commission notes the update.