Agenda item

In response to the request from the committee, for a report on family homelessness demand, focusing on those placed in to Bed and Breakfast/Hotel accommodation, this report outlines the current position.

The approach and pathways to prevention, accommodation and support are detailed and data is provided in order to demonstrate the scale of the current challenge.

The paper sets out the programmes currently underway to respond to the demand and examines future demand to establish additional requirements. Options currently under consideration to meet these requirements are noted.

The significant challenge of homelessness demand is the top priority for the Housing service and the BCP Homelessness Partnership. The partnership is holding an away day during the period between the writing of this report and the committee meeting itself. The Homelessness Partnership will be developing a targeted action plan and an update can be provided verbally at the O&S Committee meeting on 19 July. 

The Portfolio Holder for Homes and Regulation introduced a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these minutes in the Minute Book. The Director of Housing and Communities also provided key information to the Committee on the key issues within the report. The Head of Strategic Housing & Partnerships also responded to issues raised by the Committee.

The Committee was advised that the report was intended to raise awareness of the challenges relating to family homelessness and the direction of travel that the council and its partners are taking to tackle this. A detailed action plan was due to follow and would be approved and overseen by the Homelessness Reduction Board. Further developments could be reported to future Committee meetings. The report outlined the current position on family homelessness demand, focusing on those placed in to Bed and Breakfast/Hotel accommodation. The Committee was advised of the programmes currently underway to respond to the demand and examine future demand to establish additional requirements. The significant challenge of homelessness demand was the top priority for the Housing service and the BCP Homelessness Partnership.

The Committee discussed a number of points including:

·     Initiatives to address the impact of reforms in the private rented sector. There was a Private Rented Sector Homelessness action group looking at increasing access to the private rented sector and supporting landlords. This was led by a private sector local landlord and includes landlords and letting agents.

·     People moving from temporary accommodation. How people moved on from temporary accommodation: The number of social housing lets offered to homeless families had been increased. This had an impact on the number of lets available for others in housing need and would mean people remaining on the waiting list for longer.

·     People in temporary accommodation who the Council had lost contact with. These were more likely to be couples and singles and would often be people moving from the area or making different housing choices.

·     Projected homelessness and how this looked going forward. Projections were based on the past 12 months experiences but it was difficult to project.

·     The Landlord Forum would be looking at potential changes in the private rental sector but it was thought that rental reforms may give rise to further landlords leaving the market.

·     Concern about the increased demand on the service and the effect on staff. The service was no longer dependent on agency staff and an apprenticeship programme had been developed. Staff were receiving additional training. Staff were dealing with more complex issues and are providing support around trauma and care and ensuring they have the time to be supported. The Chief Operations Officer noted their thanks to the staff within housing services.

·     That the single people listed as homeless a number were likely to be pensioners who would struggle to find housing. A number of the single people would have additional needs, and some may be provided in supported housing settings. Remains challenging for both families and single people.

·     Concern was raised regarding the ability of families in B&B/Hotel accommodation to have access to cooking facilities. This was a recognised issue and the Access to Food Partnership was taking action to specifically support these families.

·     What is assessed as the standard and facilities for temporary accommodation. There was only a limited number of proprietors willing to offer temporary accommodation. Hotels needed to sign up to a set of service standards and these were checked by the service on an 8-weekly basis.

·     Concerns were raised regarding safeguarding of families in temporary accommodation. Single people and families were placed in separate accommodation. Accommodation was not block booked for temporary housing and there were a number of providers who catered better for families.

·     In response to a question, it was confirmed that the majority of accommodation provided en-suite facilities for families.

·     Needs of children varied in accordance with the age of a child. There were no national standards. The Council tried to ensure that younger children had access to a bath within the accommodation. A service manager was responsible for checking accommodation to ensure it was suitable.

·     It was noted that sometimes the facilities would not be suitable and there was a challenge to ensure all families were housed appropriately but the team would do all it could to ensure families’ needs were met.

·     It was noted that at present there had not been any landlords forthcoming to offer winter lets but it was something which the service would explore further.

·     The demand for 120 units every year and how this would be met.

·     Plans for social housing, as opposed to affordable housing in private developments. Council house building was a huge priority for the administration. However, it was going to be challenging – there was a need to take a holistic approach to housing, there was a need to get every aspect correct. The CNAS programme was really driving this. The demand was for social housing but also key worker housing and owner occupier housing.

·     The Economic Development Team- It was noted that they did not focus on housing need and were not involved in house building.

·     Local Plan and a focus on reducing homelessness. The Housing Needs Assessment looking at needs across the

·     Issues were raised regarding the mix of housing types and whether there was an evidence based to show that building of any types of housing reduced the rising levels of homelessness. Able to get more housing if focussed on affordable rents capped at the local housing allowance rate preferable to social housing.

It was highlighted that if people were faced with homelessness the best way to get in touch was through bcphousingadvice@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and that there was a duty team available for emergency situations. However, people were asked to come forward as soon as they were aware of a potential issue.

The Portfolio Holder was asked to provide an update to the Committee on the work with central government on this issue in 9-12 months-time. 

Councillors were advised that they were welcome to visit with the outreach team.

The Chairman thanked the Officers and Portfolio Holder and advised that they looked forward to hearing more in future.