Decision details

Councillor Westwood introduced the report and emphasised the importance of the council working in partnership to achieve its commitment to prevent homelessness.

Ian Tait and Sue McKenna spoke during public participation as summarised briefly below.

Ian Tait

He requested clarification of the support priorities provided by the Trinity and expressed concern that their work might duplicate that already undertaken by the Beacon.  In particular, he highlighted the ongoing support required to enable some vulnerable people to ensure their tenancies continued.  He queried why the council owned flat at 88 Sussex Street remained empty.

Sue McKenna (Chief Executive Officer – Trinity)

She confirmed that the Trinity worked in partnership with the Beacon and that the long-term focus was to prevent homelessness.  The proposed grant would help to provide additional support to vulnerable people to enable them to stay in existing housing.  Their proposals also included creating an additional eight homes in 2024 with a possible further 12 in future years.

Councillor Westwood responded to the comments made, including emphasising the valuable work undertaken by Trinity.  The Service Lead – Strategic Housing also highlighted that paragraph 13 of the report set out the impact of not awarding the grant.

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the grant of £60,000 to Trinity from the Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) be approved to fund Trinity’s Housing Manager and the Move on Development Coach.