Issue - meetings

That the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2019 – 2024 be approved and formally adopted.

Councillor Learney introduced the report which proposed a refresh to the existing Strategy allowing the Council to continue offering a gold standard service.  There remained a commitment to not using bed and breakfast accommodation and to end rough sleeping by 2023.  She emphasised the ongoing importance of close partnership working with various agencies in achieving these aims.

Ian Tait spoke during public participation and in summary, raised the issue that it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between those who were homeless and others who might be begging on the street due to their chaotic lifestyle and other dependency issues (whilst acknowledging all groups required help and assistance).  However, he generally welcomed the report’s proposals.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill spoke in support of the report and congratulated the work of the Housing Team.   She encouraged Officers to remain ahead of new statutory duties in order to maintain its gold standard service.  She agreed that partnership working was vitally important and it was essential that the Council took a lead.  Ensuring the sufficient supply of adequate accommodation to avoid the having to house people in bed and breakfast accommodation should remain at the heart of the Strategy.

In response to the points raised by Mr Tait, the Strategic Director: Services (Interim) confirmed that Council were aware of the majority of the individuals causing concerns. Officers were members of a cross organisation group which had been established to ascertain how these individuals could best be supported by the various agencies involved.

With regard to Mr Tait’s comments regarding begging, Councillor Learney noted that the Diverted Giving Scheme would be relaunched.  She welcomed the support of Councillor Horrill and agreed that adopting a “housing first” approach should continue.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2019 – 2024 be approved and formally adopted.