Agenda item

E Brooks presented the report and highlighted the following;

The red indicators for homelessness because of the volume of people coming through; however there is additional funding coming for this. This won’t be seen in the next year so targets will be re looked at. 

E Brooks stated that there was a dip in P3 TL13A which is amber, this is currently being looked at.

Cllr Imarni asked if the red indicator for homelessness was due to a staff shortage.

E Brooks said not anymore it was and the role was reviewed which then attracted people due to a higher banding.

There are currently 6 officers that deal with homelessness.

Cllr Imarni asked what the figures were for people staying in temp accommodation.

E Brooks said he was unsure on exact figures but they have to accommodate people whether it’s in our houses or with a private landlord it’s just a case of finding it.

Cllr Imarni asked if there were any concerns about people moving from London and them offering incentives, has it caused any impact.

E Brooks said not yet but it’s there and yes there is an impact but not massive. A lot of homelessness is due to refused private sector.

Cllr Griffith said they are not using B&Bs this is a last resort so this is positive.

E Brooks said what they could really do with is another ELMs.

Cllr Griffith said that Brent are buying houses in Hemel on the open market and then renting them out through a private firm, she doesn’t have any details on this.

Cllr Fethney added to that saying he knew of a few Councils doing this. Hackney was one and there will be another 2 Councils doing this by 2021. He also asked what the plans were.

E Brooks said they could be doing this and charging private rents as another income for the Councils.

Cllr England asked if we have figures on this.

E Brooks said they would need to speak to Natasha Brathwaite as she looks at this closely.

He is happy to bring it to future committees if require.

E Brooks said that they do have some money for this new legislation which will start in April.

They have freed up a role for this. When they attend seminars they see that they are ahead of the game and they do work very closely with Watford to future proof.

Cllr Imarni asked if another ELMs was on the horizon.

E Brooks said no new ELMs on the horizon. However they are building on 2 garage sites on Westerdale and Northend, this could be an income generator, they will be a flexible asset to the council and they are funded by part 1 for 1 receipts, 106 money and some borrowing.

Cllr Imarni asked if people were moving out of London and being houses here or are they people that they don’t want in the borrow.

E Brooks said he didn’t know.

J Still added to that saying that they had a few cases with complex needs.

Cllr Adeleke referred to page 16, 301 HRA capital programme. What I can’t see is if it’s going up or down.

Cllr Imarni said that she wanted to commend the team for the proactive work.

Action:  Noted

Outcome: Report was noted.