Issue - meetings

To approve a draft Homelessness Strategy 2015-2020 for Chichester District for consultation.

RESOLVED

(1)  That the draft Homelessness Strategy 2015-2020 for Chichester District be approved for consultation.

(2)  That the Head of Housing and Environment Services be authorised (following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning) to consider the representations arising from the consultation exercise and, provided the representations do not request significant amendments, to approve adoption (with minor amendments if considered appropriate) of the Strategy.

The Cabinet considered the report circulated with the agenda (copy attached to the official minutes).

Mrs Taylor introduced the report.  She explained that the past five years had seen profound changes to the welfare and benefits system as a result of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the Localism Act 2011 which had created substantial challenges to a sector which in turn had had to confront a substantial reduction in resources. In addition to adjusting to the demands that were already being made, the housing sector had to plan for the social and economic effects of full implementation of Universal Credit and further proposed welfare reforms, such as the proposed capping of benefits to £23,000 per household.

The Homelessness Review 2015 which had recently been completed was a comprehensive review of the nature and extent of homelessness within the district and formed the basis for the Homelessness Strategy for the next five years.

The Strategy had five objectives as set out in the draft document. There was a strong emphasis on the prevention of homelessness, as prevention was not only financially more efficient but, more importantly, decreased the likelihood of social and medical problems as well as the occurrence of criminal activity and anti social behaviour.

To achieve the objectives of the strategy there was a strong emphasis on co-operation with partners, both public bodies and private organisations, to work for the benefit of the community.

Imaginative solutions and a pro-active approach were required to meet the future challenges. Information must be made available and communicated to all sectors of society and residents who do not normally seek help must be engaged.

The Homelessness Strategy would be reviewed on an annual basis.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Mrs Apel (Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee) explained that the Committee had considered a similar report on 2 June 2015 and supported the recommendations. She expressed concern about an apparent increase in rough sleepers in the last year.

Ms Grele (Housing Options Manager) replied that the Council chaired the county rough sleepers panel. The Council had clear information on who was sleeping rough and a plan for each individual. There were two outreach workers, who covered Chichester, Arun and Worthing, but it took a long time to build trust and confidence, especially with entrenched rough sleepers.

The Chairman asked about section 4 of the Action Plan that formed part of the Strategy, and about voids in the Council’s temporary accommodation at Westward House.

Ms Grele replied that there had been many voids at one time, and the Council had closed its temporary accommodation at Tatchells, Midhurst. Where there was vacant accommodation at Westward House it could be used for temporary accommodation for people for whom the Council did not have a duty to provide accommodation, but who nevertheless were in need of support.

RESOLVED

(1)        That the draft Homelessness Strategy 2015-2020 for Chichester District be approved for consultation.

(2)        That the Head of Housing and Environment Services be authorised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30

To consider the report to Cabinet on 7 July 2015 and make any observations or comments on the draft Homelessness Strategy. The committee is requested to recommend to Cabinet that the draft Homelessness Strategy be approved for consultation.

Mr Dunmall explained that as a requirement of legislation a five year review of the Homelessness Strategy was required. The previous strategy had been around 70 pages long and difficult to read. The new strategy aimed to be shorter with five key objectives. The key focus of the strategy would be partnership working.

Mrs Apel asked Mr Dunmall to comment on the service received from Stonepillow. Mr Dunmall explained that Stonepillow supports rough sleepers from out of the district as well as within and subsequently some rough sleepers from out of the district will put forward applications to the Council.   

Mr Shaxson asked for clarification on the trend of homelessness and rough sleeping. Mr Dunmall explained that the Rough Sleeping Panel in April 2012 saw 39 rough sleepers in the district which has subsequently reduced at times to as low as nine. The panel consists of organisations such as the Police, WSCC and Stonepillow. In the last 12 months 44 cases had produced an outcome of reconnecting people with either family and friends or the provision of housing. As preventative work becomes more successful the number of applications for homelessness will continue to decrease.

Mrs Dignum asked for clarification on the following points:

1.    Managing homelessness in 16 and 17 year olds

2.    The national issue of care leavers

3.    Whether the division of age in transient and entrenched rough sleepers is for a particular reason or administrative purposes

Mr Dunmall explained:

1.    The Youth Prevention team at WSCC have been successfully reducing the number of homeless 16 and 17 year olds by mediating with young people who have left home as a result of arguments with their parents and in a majority of cases returning them to the family home

2.    WSCC and CDC have responsibility for those who have a care background until the age of 21 at which point it can be difficult for young people without support to find accommodation so links are being made with South Downs Housing Association to provide help in these situations

3.    There is no reason for the division of age as it stands as rough sleepers can be from a variable age group

Mrs Tassell suggested that the Council’s costs be reimbursed from the local authorities of those travelling into the district. Mr Dunmall explained that if someone presents themselves as homeless with a priority need funds cannot be reclaimed but if the Council can refer them to another district due to established local connections then emergency accommodation costs such as bed and breakfast costs could be reclaimed.

Mr Cullen asked if the core issues of the strategy have been retained then what changes have been made. Mr Dunmall explained the strategy is in draft and the committee are invited to comment during the consultation period. The prime focus for the new strategy is prevention of homelessness.

Mr Ransley suggested the strategy is proactive rather than reactive. He asked for clarification on whether demand for housing would be likely to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10