Issue - meetings

This report sets out a plan of action to improve the quality of accommodation and services available to homeless households at reduced revenue cost to the council, whilst alleviating the pressure to allocate so much social housing to homeless households. The main points of this are summarised in the report with the Temporary Accommodation Reform Plan appended as Annex 1.

(i)         that the analysis of current and future temporary accommodation supply and cost issues for the next three years be noted;

(ii)        that the approach set out in the Temporary Accommodation Reform plan to improve the quality of accommodation for homeless households at reduced cost to the council over the period to March 2019 be approved as summarised in the submitted report and set out in Annex 1 to the report;

(iii)       that initial capital expenditure of £10m for the acquisition of private rented properties (as set out in paragraphs 7.27 to 7.39 and Annex 1 of the report) be approved, subject to financial criteria to be agreed by the Chief Finance Officer.

Councillor McLennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Development, introduced the report stating that the report set out a plan of action to improve the quality of accommodation and services available to homeless households at  educed revenue cost to the council, whilst alleviating the pressure to allocate so much social housing to homeless households. She stated that the main points of this were summarised in the report with the Temporary Accommodation Reform Plan appended as Annex 1.

Councillor McLennan informed Cabinet members that the proposed programme over the next three years was based on an analysis of the types and costs of Temporary Accommodation and the costs and difficulties in provision of private rented sector accommodation for homeless households by the borough at present and going forward.

She stated that the plan attempted to estimate likely homelessness demand to the end of 2018/19. By comparing that with estimated supply of different types of accommodation to prevent homelessness and accommodate homeless households over the same period, it estimated the likely trend in numbers in temporary accommodation and the associated costs to the council without reform.

The analysis showed an improved financial position in 2016/17, as the council benefits from the success of its efforts to reduce the use of Bed & Breakfast (B&B) accommodation in 2015/16. However, after 2016/17, without reform increasing pressures and costs to the council were expected as private sector rents diverge further from Housing Benefit levels, causing increased homelessness and reducing the council’s ability to end a homelessness duty in the private rented sector (PRS) year on year.

Councillor McLennan reiterated that, if successful, implementation of this plan would deliver long term savings to the council and better quality accommodation for homeless households, whilst reducing pressure on the council’s social housing allocations.

She stated that the report asked for approval of a number of specific measures within the plan including commitment of funds to purchase private rented sector accommodation suitable for long term occupation by homeless households.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the analysis of current and future temporary accommodation supply and cost issues for the next three years be noted;

(ii)        that the approach set out in the Temporary Accommodation Reform plan to improve the quality of accommodation for homeless households at reduced cost to the council over the period to March 2019 be approved as summarised in the submitted report and set out in Annex 1 to the report;

(iii)       that initial capital expenditure of £10m for the acquisition of private rented properties (as set out in paragraphs 7.27 to 7.39 and Annex 1 of the report) be approved, subject to financial criteria to be agreed by the Chief Finance Officer.