Agenda item

Homelessness Prevention Strategy

Decision:

That the homelessness prevention strategy and the rough sleeping and single homeless reduction plan be approved.

Minutes:

The Lead Member for Housing & Community Safety and the Service Lead Housing Services introduced a report that sought approval for the homelessness prevention strategy which included the rough sleeping and single homeless reduction plan.  It was a requirement for local authorities to publish a homelessness strategy every five years under the Homelessness Act 2002.

 

There was a continued increase in homelessness numbers nationally and locally and the plan addressed the issues by taking a collaborative approach with partners and by allocating resources more appropriately.  The number of homeless households in temporary accommodation in Slough has risen sharply in recent years, although the work done including through James Elliman Homes was starting to have a positive impact with a reduction from 470 to 440 in the past year.  It was recognised that the Council would need to work closely with statutory and voluntary sector partners more closely and this was a key aspect of the plan.  There was also a strong theme of prevention to try to stop households becoming homeless and the plan included a range of actions to support people in this regard.

 

In relation to the plan to address the problem of rough sleeping the approach included actions to work with private landlords and to extend night shelter provision.  The outreach team was in place to provide support and enforcement activity was sometimes necessary to deal with anti-social behaviour issues in certain locations.

 

The Cabinet welcomed the plan in setting a strategy for dealing with an important and complex issue.  Additional funding had been put in place this year and the plan would help to maximise the impact of the available resources.  Lead Members had a wide ranging discussion about the factors contributing to the rise in homelessness including high and rising housing costs, benefit changes and the provision of other services to support people with mental health, drug and alcohol issues.  It was recognised a number of nearby authorities placed people in Slough and this created pressures on housing and other services.  Officers were working on an out-of-Borough policy for the Council and it was anticipated this would be considered by the Cabinet at a future meeting.  Lead Members also commented on the importance of linking up the skills and employment opportunitues to the housing strategy as employment was a significant factor in achieving long term, sustainable outcomes for people.

 

At the conclusion of the discussion the Cabinet approved the strategy and plans as set out in the appendices to the report.

 

Resolved –  That the homelessness prevention strategy and the rough sleeping and single homeless reduction plan be approved.

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