Agenda item

Homelessness and Complex Needs Inquiry Day Findings

The Chair submits a report to present the findings of the Joint Task Group of the Housing Scrutiny Commission and Public Health & Health Integration Scrutiny Commission’s work in examining services surrounding homelessness and complex needs in Leicester.

Minutes:

The Chair submitted the report and Councillor Sahu from the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission attended for this item. It was noted that:

 

·       The inquiry day took place on 3rd October. It started at 9am and finished at 5pm providing a full day to consider the homelessness and complex needs in the city from a joint perspective of housing and health.

·       The focus was on substance misuse and homelessness and the task group appreciated that there are many complex aspects to it.

·       The variety of organisations who attended provided a great deal of insight.

·       Some issues with miscommunications were identified in the pathways used by different organisations so the inquiry day allowed these to be addressed.

·       Concerns were raised around the rough sleeper funding which was due to end and questions asked around what funding would look like in the future.

·       The Police were not in attendance, but it was highlighted that there was interest in their perspective on the issue and whether this could be arranged.

·       Overall, good services and provision were identified in the city for those who are homeless.

·       The inquiry day identified further work was needed on families and homelessness in the city and pathways for those leaving prison.

·       There has been limited housing stock in the city and the needs of the homeless population needs to be considered to support them so they may build a positive tenancy.

·       The receipts from the Right to Buy scheme are needed by the council for tackling the housing crisis.

 

The Director of Housing thanked the task group and presented an update on the recommendations made in the report. It was noted that:

 

·       Homelessness has been a hot topic due to the pressures involved. Tighter integration between housing and health has been pushed to address the complexities around homelessness so the task group was a positive move towards this.

·       There has been a proposed step up in relations and support to the families that are in temporary accommodation. Public Health and Housing have aimed to complete a piece of work on families in temporary accommodation.

·       Work has already begun considering the pathway from prison and how this can be strengthened.

·       ‘Help Beyond Housing’ has been working closely with health partners as part of a city-wide group. There are currently 67 cases where intensive floating support has been provided and 9 trainer accommodation units in the ZIP building. How this has worked will be reported to make the case for further funding.

·       Contractors have progressed work rapidly at the Dawn Centre with a clear plan of delivery for the next few months. Partners are included in ongoing discussions in this period as the internal structure is shaped and services are explored for the centre. This will continue to be reviewed once the site is live.

·       There has been further guidance issued to all staff on the subject of families and mental health support.

·       The service has taken on board the recommendation around partner agencies referring individuals for support to prevent rough sleeping.

·       The Director of Housing has met with national homelessness advisors and reiterated that all existing and further funding is required to strengthen services. Positively, £234,000 of additional funding has been given for winter support.

·       The recent budget announcements by Government have stated significant change to the discounts for the Right to Buy scheme, although this will not take effect immediately. It has meant there has been a rush of applications for the purchase of properties.

·       New council housing sites have been identified and new council housing will be built. There has also been proactive work with other teams to identify redundant council assets that could be brought into use.

·       An extensive acquisitions programme has been ongoing.

·       Budget reports have been scheduled for December at OSC and January at this commission.

·       125 leases have been requested but these have been difficult to get over the line.

·       Prompt sheets have been put in place for staff to ensure partner agencies are informed to further support joint working and communications.

·       The Joint Specific Needs Assessment has been embedded in the homelessness strategy.

 

In response to questions and comments from Members, it was noted that:

·       The inquiry day was a successful scrutiny model and should be considered for other topics moving forward.

·       Families and homelessness had been a strong theme from the inquiry day.

·       The ZIP building transformation has been done well and the support model that has been on offer in it looks good. This type of tenancy has not been considered for more complex cases though as they would need higher levels of support and intervention.

·       The deadline for applications for the Right to Buy at the previous rates was 21st November 2024. The scheme is not ending but the cap has been reduced. Tenants are still entitled to exercise the right to buy.

·       The engagement and work seen during the inquiry day and after demonstrates the commitment of those working in this area.

·       Concerns were raised that it is impossible to live a normal, stable family life in bed and breakfast or temporary accommodation. The numbers of families in this type of accommodation has reduced though.

·       On 5th November 2024, 517 families were in temporary accommodation. 143 families were in bed and breakfast accommodation with the rest in more suitable accommodation. The average length of stay has reduced to just under 90 days however work has been continuing to reduce this further.

·       Out of hours support has been available for tenancy issues on 0116 254 9439.

·       The homelessness emergency number 0116 221 2770 goes to the Dawn Centre. If a situation has been seen as critical, a district manager can be asked for. The importance of seeing and assessing an individual will be reiterated to staff.

·       The council has aimed to provide consistent accommodation to those in temporary accommodation but sometimes the hotels have made changes to bookings. This has been negated where possible by making block bookings and bringing forward temporary accommodation models.

·       Most temporary accommodations offered are in the city centre but if unable to accommodate this can sometimes be further afield. For children, employment etc, it is endeavoured to maintain the locality.

·       The rough sleeper count was due to take place and Members were invited to attend the count.

·       It has been positive seeing trauma informed approaches being used. It has been important to recognise that the individuals have needed consistency. There is not a universal approach that will work as often there are many layers of disadvantage involved.

·       When weather is milder, the accommodation offer has not always been taken up. During winter, more accommodation has been provided to bring people off the streets as quickly as possible. VCS organisations have helped to facilitate this.  They have also helped to build trust with individuals and take the opportunity to work with them where possible.

·       Homeless Charter leaflet to be shared with Members.

 



AGREED:

Members thanked all involved for their work and the Commission endorsed the report.

Supporting documents: