Agenda item

The Council provides and commissions a range of housing for Care Experienced Young People (CEYP) as part of their transition to independence. A range of social and private rented accommodation provision is offered depending on the assessed needs of the young person:

·  Supported accommodation (onsite or visiting support)

·  Joint Living Properties (shared houses)

·  Self-contained accommodation (dispersed or clustered)

The Council holds a number of powers which act as assurance that the quality of accommodation is of the required standard and has a number of additional measures in place to ensure accommodation quality is maintained alongside housing related support for each and every setting.

A review of the housing needs of Care Experienced Young People has recently been considered within a wider review of specialist and supported housing needs. A housing strategy outlining the future commissioning intentions will be considered by Cabinet later in 2025/26.

The Director of Housing and Communities presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Council provided and commissioned a range of housing for Care Experienced Young People (CEYP) as part of their transition to independence. A variety of social and private rented accommodation provisions were offered depending on the assessed needs of the young person:

·       Supported accommodation (onsite or visiting support)

·       Joint Living Properties (shared houses)

·       Self-contained accommodation (dispersed or clustered)

The Council held a number of powers which acted as assurance that the quality of accommodation was of the required standard and had several additional measures in place to ensure accommodation quality was maintained alongside housing-related support for each and every setting.

A review of the housing needs of Care Experienced Young People was recently considered within a wider review of specialist and supported housing needs. A housing strategy outlining the future commissioning intentions was to be considered by Cabinet later in 2025/26.

The Committee considered the update and made the following comments:

• The Committee discussed the quality of accommodation for care-experienced young people, acknowledging improvements since the 2021 Ofsted inspection. While standards had improved, members noted that limited choice remained a key issue.
• In a query raised regarding whether the current housing provision met the standard they would expect for their own children, the Committee was advised that while accommodation met safety and quality standards, the lack of choice and flexibility was a concern.
• The Committee was advised that feedback from recent inspections of supported accommodation had been positive, particularly regarding the quality of furnishings and facilities.
• The committee raised concerns regarding the anxiety experienced by young people transitioning out of care at age 18, particularly regarding uncertainty around housing, finances, and support. Officers confirmed that earlier planning and wraparound support were being prioritised in the revised Joint Housing Protocol.
• The Committee was advised that the booklets used to support independent living was not sufficient for all young people. Officers acknowledged the need for more engaging and diverse resources, including digital tools such as apps.
• In a query raised regarding the importance of life skills education, including budgeting, cooking, and understanding tenancy responsibilities, the Committee was advised that alternative resources were being explored.
• The Committee was advised that personal advisors and housing support teams provided enhanced support, including home visits and financial guidance, particularly during the initial move-in period.
• Officers highlighted the importance of identifying and supporting the most vulnerable young people, who may not actively seek help or communicate their needs.
• The Committee raised concerns regarding the responsiveness of landlords to maintenance issues and the challenges of ensuring consistent standards across private and social housing sectors.
• Officers outlined plans to improve housing standards through education, enforcement, and a new two-year delivery plan as part of the housing strategy review.
• In response to concerns raised regarding delays in rehousing individuals in complex cases, the Committee was advised that legal processes and the necessity of maintaining tenancies could often prolong timelines. However, multi-agency collaboration would be implemented to effectively manage risks.
• The Committee was advised that a specialist housing needs assessment was underway to identify gaps in provision, particularly for high-risk young people with lower support needs.
• The Committee noted the importance of recognising care-experienced young people as a protected group and reaffirmed the Council’s corporate parenting responsibilities.
• In response to a query raised regarding the use of HMOs for young people, the Committee was advised that placements with older adults were avoided unless specifically chosen by the young person. Any exceptions require director sign-off.
• The Committee was advised of the challenges of regulating the private rented sector and the need to balance tenant protections with landlord retention.
• The Committee praised the collaborative approach between housing and children’s services and acknowledged the progress made since the last inspection.
• The officers agreed to share the missing document, 'Appendix X,' with the Committee after the meeting. ACTION

It was Proposed, Seconded and RECOMMENDED that the Committee seeks assurance that the new Joint Housing protocol has been successfully agreed and is working effectively to ensure our Care Experienced Young People are seeing an improved service and are in receipt of timely advice and safe housing that suits their individual needs and hopes for the future.