Agenda item

The Chair invited the Head of Housing and Homelessness Response Manager to introduce the report.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Leach asked what ‘support’ consisted of. The officer explained that a person can move into a building and agree to engage with a support worker in terms of plans to move on/medical/family/employment and aim to regain independence. There can also be a Personal Support Plan with targets. ‘Support’ does not mean personal care.

Councillor Heijltjes asked if the Council is supporting Julian House. The officer explained that we have had to tighten our belts but the Council is working closely with Julian House. He explained it is a pathway rather than about supporting individual organisations.

Councillor Walker asked how many people are currently in refuges. The officer explained that she could get numbers in terms of refuges.

Councillor Johnson asked if an increase in pressure was expected given the annual housing trajectory. He also asked if there was a way to give ambitions on where we want to be on homelessness. The officer explained that there are many reasons why people become homeless and a key issue is now the cost of living. We also take in account legislative changes – if there are more developments, there will be more housing. In terms of ambitions – the officer explained that there is a Housing Plan which lays out the plan for growth. There are also two performance targets around the number of people in temporary accommodation (this authority is in the top 3^rd of local authorities on this) and rough sleeping, the aim for this would be zero. The officer further explained that we are guided by Government Homelessness and Rough Sleepers guidance. The Government are currently reviewing the formula so our grant may be reduced.

Councillor Collins asked about the challenges around people who do not want to move off the street. The officer explained that there is a small core of people who find it impossible to engage with support services. There is a task and targeting group to try to address cases on an individual basis. This has currently reduced from 15 to 13 but this can change daily. We have an approach of ‘housing first’ which is a different approach. There is a ‘Next Steps Accommodation Panel’ which works with cases referred by support workers. We have strong partnerships.

Councillor Box asked if the service for young people stops when they reach 18. The officer explained that no, it does not as this would undo good work done. There is a ‘homelessness pathway’ solely for young people as their needs are specific.

Councillor Heijltjes asked about the effect of the disability benefit cuts. The officer explained that this was very new and need to be digested.

Councillor Leach asked what officers would attribute to the low numbers regarding usage rates. The officer stated that the prevention first approach means the service is more accessible and open. People can speak to someone on the same day. The officer further explained that, as a unitary authority, there are some benefits. We are also small enough to have good partnerships.

Councillor Johnson asked if representations were being made regarding adjustments to the grant. The officer explained that the potential cut was part of a consultation exercise, we have not had confirmation.

The Chair thanked the officer for their report.