Agenda item

This briefing paper provides the Panel with an overview of the schemes available and their target client group. 

The Head of Housing introduced this report to the Panel, he explained that the Council, working with partners, ensures the provision of a wide range of supported housing schemes and assistance designed to provide high quality housing solutions for vulnerable residents. He stated that the schemes are directly provided by the Council, or more usually commissioned by the Council and delivered by partners. He added that many of the schemes have a targeted client group, such as: young people; older people; learning disability; rough sleepers etc. 

He informed the Panel that the provision can be usefully split into the following groups, albeit with some overlap:

(1)  Supported Housing Schemes

These are housing schemes that provide on-site support in addition to accommodation.  The scheme is usually targeted towards a specific client group, such as, young people, rough sleepers etc.  Examples of these schemes include: The Foyer Project; Dartmouth Temporary Accommodation Scheme; Platform for Life etc.

The support is usually funded in one of three ways: through an additional charge on the rent and paid by the tenant, usually via housing benefit; paid for directly by the Council to the provider; or paid as part of the rent. The latter can usually only be achieved through upfront capital investment by the Council, so that the rent is not used to service purchase debt.  An example of this arrangement is Platform for Life.  This scheme used a successful bid for Government funding to purchase 5x shared properties for young people.  As there is no debt to service the rent can be used solely for support, property maintenance and management costs.

(2)  Non-supported Housing Schemes

These are housing schemes designed and targeted towards a specific client group, but without on-site support.  The occupier may already be receiving support through existing mechanisms.  Many of the learning disability schemes follow this model.

(3)  Other forms of assistance

This includes all other non-scheme based housing support.  Examples include help and assistance (including financial support) for homeless households to securing suitable accommodation and also to enable vulnerable residents to continue to live in their own homes. 

He said that across these schemes that around 280 units were available across the Council.

Councillor Rob Appleyard asked if the number of bed spaces was greater than 280.

The Head of Housing replied that the number of bed spaces could be higher with some units accounting for families / shared accommodation.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the extra 20 dormitory beds made available for rough sleepers between November – March could be extended.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that this provision is only in place for the colder weather months through central government funding. She added that these beds were full or nearly full most nights.

The Head of Housing added that he appreciated the concern raised by Councillor Hardman, but said that people using this provision are encouraged to engage with Julian House about their future housing options.

Councillor Barry Macrae noted the officer’s success in bidding for funding and working with various partnerships but asked how the need for provision can be removed and homelessness stopped.

The Head of Housing replied that the Council’s role was concentrated on reducing homelessness. He stated that in comparison to national figures B&NES has a low number of households in temporary accommodation and therefore the Council is not paying the costs associated with temporary accommodation.

He added that preventative work does take place including a specific project with the RUH that seeks to not release patients back onto the streets if they are homeless.

He said that Housing Services have had to make budget reductions in recent years and make no secret of the work the team does to bid and gain funding from the Government.

Councillor Macrae said that he would like to see some of that detail within any future report to explain the story behind the figures.

Councillor Liz Richardson asked if there was a timescale as to how long a young person could stay in supported lodgings.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that they were able to stay for around two years if required.

Councillor Richardson asked if the Council carries out any follow up work with these young people.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that the Council enables them to make local connections and gain skills and knowledge over this period. She added that they do monitor outcomes after a placement has concluded.

Councillor Richardson asked if the Council was at advertising this role to members of the public.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that they have tried a number of ways to advertise over the years, but would welcome more offers if people are interested in the role.

Councillor Richardson asked why St. Mungo’s at Mulberry House was not included in the appendix to the report.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that this is a separate provision for members of the public with mental health needs.

The Chairman commented that recently he had been able to attend a small civic reception held by the Chair of Council to congratulate the Supported Lodgings Team and said that he was proud to see this provision within B&NES.

Councillor Rob Appleyard added that it was a great example of a very effective department.

The Chairman noted that most schemes in the appendix were located in Bath.

The Team Manager, Strategy & Performance replied that a number of the schemes have been in place for a long time, prior to 2003. She added that the factors of demand, opportunity and travel were key in where schemes could be developed.

The Head of Housing added that officers were mindful of this and would look to secure schemes in Keynsham, Midsomer Norton & Radstock where possible.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the comprehensive range of supported housing and assistance available within the district for vulnerable residents.