Issue - meetings

The Homelessness Act 2002 imposes a duty on local housing authorities to carry out a homelessness review and to formulate and publish a homelessness strategy every 5 years.  The updated strategy proposes a number of enhancements to homelessness prevention and support to people who are homeless.  It contributes to realisation of the vision set out in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in an ad hoc statement reminded the Cabinet that a task and finish group investigation into youth homelessness had been conducted in 2010.  She still had to report that there were over 200 “sofa surfers” in the Somer valley however, and probably more in Bath.  She asked the Cabinet to stay alert to the problem.

Councillor Simon Allen introduced the item by reminding Cabinet that the Council had a very good track record of supporting homeless adults and young people.  This was achieved by working closely with partners.  He highlighted some known of causes of homelessness and listed a number of ways in which the Council was seeking to help by intervening before people became homeless.  He committed the Council to delivering a gold standard service.

He moved the proposals.

Councillor Tim Ball seconded the proposals which he felt were excellent and long-awaited.  The report showed that homelessness was preventable.  He emphasised that the policy be kept up-to-date.

On a motion from Councillor Simon Allen, seconded by Councillor Tim Ball, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the report; and

(2) To APPROVE the Homelessness Strategy 2014-2018.