Agenda item

N Beresford briefly covered the contents of the report. She explained that there are no major non-conformities. She stated that they work closely with DENS. The contract and Elms management provide 44 units of vital accommodation of homeless clients within the district.

She stated that a consultation exercise is due to be undertaken with DENs residents within the next few months. In regards to the further recommendations made as part of the audit undertaken, one of the questions raised was in relation to the revision downwards of the targets set. One of these targets will be reviewed in the near future, that being the percentage of satisfactory move-on. The target is considered overly ambitious- it has been decided that the rate is unachievable.  The further recommendations as covered by audit will be built into the final year of performance review to comprise of full options appraisal of performance of the contract by a project team spreading across a number of services from the Council, which will form the basis of a robust tender document for re-tender for next phase of contract.

N Beresford went on to address the speakers question; commenting that she hoped the above covered the question relating to revision of targets. 

She continued that in relation to the second point raised by Mandi’s question; the council have noted the significant increase in 18-25 year olds being admitted into DENS and also into our own council housing through the Housing register, noting there are also higher numbers of care leavers coming into the system. They have identified many causes, including those that Mandi mentioned and confirmed that mental health is a specific are of concern to the Council.  She mentioned an active Homeless Forum that meets on a quarterly basis; the next meeting being 31^st October.  These issues are actively discussed as part of the forum in conjunction with local services; community mental health team, hospital discharge board locally to improve outcomes for that client route and others across the district.  The council has considered adopting the “housing first” project as a specific project to provide targeted elements of support and housing for a client group such as this, that are experiencing mental health and dual diagnosis issues (e.g. drug abuse and mental health). The report will be presented to the Homeless Forum in the New Year, with the focus being on how best to approach that target group.

N Beresford also referred to work that is taking place across Hertfordshire; we are working in collaboration with the 9 other districts across Hertfordshire as there are a range of issues that are prevalent across all Boroughs and a rise in homelessness in this client group is most definitely increasing.  Also working closely with Police and an ex-offenders rehabilitation programme that is being led by the Police with the support of Local Authority districts and additional organisations.  Working to improve outcomes for range of client groups.  Part of that is working closely with Hertfordshire County Council to improve the success rate “moving on” of young people coming out of care; we have a dedicated in-house Tenancy Sustainment Team, they have a range of officers with diverse skills.

Councillor Fethney referred to the local mental health teams and agreed their work is terrific, but referred to the use of national statistics and how that might be of use in looking at this; specifically from Public Health.

N Beresford responded that the Council is working with a number of key agencies, confirming there has been engagement with Public Health.

Councillor Bassadone commented that this was a very interesting report which provided a lot of information and facts that perhaps had not been seen or thought about before.

Councillor England referred to the preparation for the re-tender and asked; will you weight the previous year’s performance as well as the actual tender process, will both elements for a part of moving forward?

N Beresford responded that the intention is to review what the demands are for that service; it is a growing demand.  The building runs a waiting list at all times.  DENS have delivered the contract positively; there has been no major non-conformities, however there are a number of aspirations internally to achieve going forward, including street outreach.

Councillor Imarni complimented Natasha’s work and mentioned that the committee appreciated the way DENS project is run by her team.

The Chairman offered some feedback on the report; requesting a report ‘good neighbours’ ie they do not have an issue with the neighbours with the hostel being there, just a statement to say that we look after our neighbours and any concerns are addressed.