To present a revised Action Plan to the Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2015 as a result of the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

That the revised Homelessness Strategy Action Plan be approved in light of the significant new duties being implemented through the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that presented a revised Action Plan to the Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2015, as a result of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 that would be implemented in April 2018.  Homelessness had grown in recent years and there had been an increase in rough sleepers.  The new Act would introduce significant new duties.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing advised that 64 empty homes had been returned to use.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council responds to the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

RESOLVED

that the revised Homelessness Strategy Action Plan be approved in light of the significant new duties being implemented through the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The decision was unanimous.

To receive a verbal update on the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The Head of Housing Solutions delivered a presentation that outlined the main changes required by the Homelessness Reduction Act and detailed the CBC homelessness offer.  Members were advised of the new requirements on the service that would necessitate a change to the Housing Allocations Policy.  Changes included:-

·         a duty to prevent homelessness. 

·         a duty to refer cases of homelessness by statutory agencies including police and hospitals and

·         a duty to produce personal housing plans and to cooperate in all cases.

The Housing Solutions Locality Manager advised that a team of officers would raise awareness of the cultural change expected from the impending Act with colleagues and partners.  It was expected that the numbers of housing staff would be increased in order to deal with case management documentation.  Members welcomed the benchmarking work undertaken that provided evidence the service had started to implement correct service pathways.

In light of the presentation, Members raised the following comments:-

·         whether the proposed case management IT software would be compatible with third party systems.  In response the Director of Social Care Health and Housing advised this was an ambition, but it was a huge challenge for the service.

·         Supported the newly commissioned sub regional service multi area approach to homelessness and the need for additional officers to support the service.

·         That a meeting be arranged with Housing Officers for Members to learn more about the new Act.

RECOMMENDED the Committee

1.    Recognises the challenges and welcomes the processes being put in place to relieve homelessness.

2.    Asks that in 12-15 months there is a report back to the Committee on the homelessness implementation plan as to how successful it has been in reducing homelessness.

3.    Would like to see the amended Allocations Policy.