To consider and comment on the draft Discharge of Homelessness Duty to a Suitable Private Sector Home Policy and provide recommendations to Executive.

The Head of Housing Solutions Service introduced the revised Discharge of Homelessness Duty to a Suitable Private Sector Home Policy and presentation.  The revisions had been made to take account of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 that saw a greater emphasis on prevention, relief and a duty to provide temporary accommodation.  The policy also ensured that a level of safeguard to ensure the health and well-being to homeless applicants was maintained.  Detailed records would be kept and maintained by officers that reflect that due care was taken.

A Member sought clarity on the complex legislation and deficit of affordable homes and whether the chance of success for the Policy was achievable.  In response the Head of Service advised the plan would ensure the Council followed the right direction to provide homes and temporary solutions.  There was a risk that some residents would be placed away from an area in the initial stage, but final settlement would see residents hopefully living in a place they would like to stay.

The Committee fully supported the Discharge of Homelessness Duty to a Suitable Private Sector Home Policy and no changes were proposed.

RECOMMENDED that the Discharge of Homelessness Duty to a Suitable Private Sector Home Policy to the Executive be fully endorsed.