Agenda item

The Director of Housing submits an update report on the review of the current homelessness strategy, and sets out the proposed timetable for the publishing of a new homelessness strategy for Leicester. A presentation will be delivered at the meeting.

The Commission received a presentation (a copy of which was attached to the agenda), on the review of the current homelessness strategy, which set out the proposed timetable for the publishing of a new homelessness strategy for Leicester. Julie Turner, (Business Change Manager, Housing Transformation Team) informed the meeting that it was a legal requirement for the strategy to be updated every five years. The following information was given:

·         The cost of renting or buying a home rose fastest in the East Midlands in the past year compared with nationally. House prices in the region went up by 7.5% in the year to the end of July compared to 5.1% across the UK.

·         People could become homeless through no fault of their own, for example, those in shorthold tenancies could be evicted at short notice.

·         There were 222 responses to the consultation questionnaire reviewing the last homeless strategy (2013-18) and included feedback from the service user group at Dawn Centre, Homelessness Reference Group, government agencies, health service and the Job Centre.

·         It was acknowledged that a prevention approach was effective in reducing the number of homeless people, through the provision of advice, guidance and people knowing where they could seek support before a crisis arose. The service wanted to develop an app for people to get support, for example, those struggling with budgeting.

During the ensuing discussion a number of queries were raised and responses given, which included the following:

·         The Housing Options Team were working with landlords to encourage them to let to people on benefits (One out of 47 properties where available at Local Housing Allowance rates of a sample reviewed by the private sector housing team). The private sector housing team found it challenging to find suitable private lettings (that were affordable and in a decent condition).

·         New government legislation brought in resulted in changes to tax levels. Some small landlords are selling their properties which would reduce the number of lettings.

·         Members were concerned that some private landlords were evicting tenants, then re-letting properties at a higher rate. When people were at risk the council looked at individual circumstances and would try to intervene with the landlord, to try and find a permanent solution so tenants did not go into hostels or temporary accommodation. The prevention rate for those potentially facing homelessness was good at 90%, and a prevention fund was available to help support tenancies.

Councillor Connelly said the need to renew the Homelessness Strategy was clear and including the Housing Scrutiny Commission was part of that process. He noted the number of homeless in the city centre had increased, as had been seen across the country. He made a point that not all rough sleepers wanted help and some were subject to the ‘Revolving Door’ process and could not hold tenancies, and the service needed to direct resources to try and tackle the problem.

Councillor Connelly added UC would increase the numbers of homelessness, as there was limited affordable housing being built in the city, and the council was losing properties under ‘Right to Buy’ and was increasing pressure on the Housing Service. It was noted problems could only be resolved by providing more affordable housing.

AGREED:

that the report be noted.