Issue - meetings

That the Homelessness Strategy 2016-2020 be adopted.

Decision

That the Homelessness Strategy 2016-2020 be adopted.

Reason for Decision

The purpose of this report is to provide the committee with an overview of the proposed Homelessness strategy 2016 - 2020. This includes the approach taken to develop the strategy and an update on national and local trends, key changes in legislation and the council’s commitment to achieving a Gold Standard homelessness service.

Implications

Proposals have been made in preparation for the 2017/18 budget, to support recommendations made to further improve the service delivered to customers. These proposals will be subject to the Chief Officer Group assessment and considered through the usual annual budget review process.

Value for money

It is important that we deliver value for money for local people accessing our homelessness support services. Increased demand requires us to explore new ways to improve efficiency within our housing advice and options service so we can target resources to improve service quality, enhance effectiveness and deliver positive outcomes for our clients. We are also committed to ‘demonstrating the cost effectiveness of preventing homelessness’. By investing in preventative approaches we can support people to stay in existing accommodation.

Risk Management

Risk Assessment completed.

The intention of this report is to comply with legislation and therefore avoid the risk of non-compliance.   Embedding these new ways of working will now need the full commitment of all officers. A procedure and policy review is underway and involves all frontline officers.  Improved communications programme is in place and has been since October 2015

Community Impact Assessment

Community Impact Assessment carried out

Corporate Objectives

Preventing and tackling homelessness contributes to the following corporate objectives;

·        A clean, safe and enjoyable environment

·        Building strong and vibrant communities

Providing good quality affordable homes, in particular for those most in needing

Monitoring Officer/S.151 Officer Comments

Monitoring Officer: 

No comments to add to the report.

Deputy S.151 Officer

The proposed strategy will be delivered through approved budgets. Any direct financial implications of any changes will need to be submitted for financial approval through the normal annual budget setting process.

Advice

Councillor Griffiths explained that they had updated the current strategy, which had been to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee (OSC) who were very impressed with it and commended the work Officers had done.

N Brathwaite noted that the OSC had extensive discussions around the challenges and the impact of mental health and homelessness.  They had requested 6 monthly update reports in order to monitor progress. The OSC also suggested having a nominated representative on the homelessness forum.

She reassured members that all staff attended mental health awareness training.

Councillor Griffiths said it was fantastic that the OSC wanted to be involved and asked if Cabinet could help with that.

N Brathwaite said that this can be done internally at the forum meetings as these were open to anyone who had an interest.

Councillor Marshall referred to paragraph 4.4 of the report and asked what the connection was between homelessness and assured shorthold tenancies.

N Brathwaite explained that property prices  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106