Agenda item

Report No: OAS/SE/18/016

[Councillors Diane Hind and Peter Thompson declared non-pecuniary interests as a landlord outside of West Suffolk.

Councillors Patrick Chung, Margaret Marks and Robin Pilley declared non-pecuniary interests as a landlord in West Suffolk]

[Councillors John Burns and Paula Fox left the meeting at 5.35pm during the consideration and prior to voting taking place on this item].

The Committee received Report No: OAS/SE/18/016, which presented the draft West Suffolk Homelessness Reduction Strategy (Appendix 1). 

The Homelessness Act 2002 required all councils to review and produce a new homelessness strategy at least every five years.  A review of the West Suffolk’s Homelessness Strategy was due in 2018.  In addition to this, by producing a new West Suffolk Homelessness Reduction Strategy the council was responding to the fundamental changes to legislation and additional duties introduced by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

In accordance with the Homelessness Act 2002, West Suffolk councils had conducted a review of homelessness in the area between November 2017 and April 2018.  The review took the form of an evidence base that was attached as Appendix A to the West Suffolk Homelessness Reduction Strategy (Appendix 1).  The depth and scope of the review had contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the key issues facing West Suffolk.  It had also enabled the councils to consider where it needed to focus its attention in the future in order to determine which priorities and actions the councils needed to focus on.

The West Suffolk Homelessness Reduction Strategy was an important part of what the councils were doing across West Suffolk to prevent and reduce homelessness.  However, other activities which supported the reduction of homelessness were outlined in West Suffolk’s Housing Strategy and the Strategic Framework 2018-2020. 

The delivery plan attached at Appendix B to the report had been developed to deliver on the councils priorities as set out in the strategy and would be resourced through existing budgets and resources and by accessing external funding sources from the government and other partners.

The Committee considered the draft Strategy and the five priorities and asked questions to which responses were provided.  In particular discussions were held on progress with the Bury Drop-in Centre; the number of rough sleepers in West Suffolk, which varied daily; and the need to communicate and promote more, the excellent work carried out by council officers out on the streets. 

The Cabinet Member for Housing explained that homeless/rough sleeper figures were higher in Bury St Edmunds due to bed spaces, which were cut by 30% last year, meaning there were less options available at the present time.  However, the council was looking to increase its bed options.  Also across Suffolk there was a lack of service for “complex needs”.

The Service Manager (Housing Options and Homelessness) informed members that the council tried to be proactive, particularly during the winter months.  It was keen to get the message out there that the council was working with people and statutory partners in reducing homelessness and rough sleeping.

In response to a question raised regarding landlords, officers explained that there were a number of landlords who worked with the council, for instance through the rent deposit scheme.  Landlords could also go to the council to seek information on renting their properties.  However, officers expressed their sadness that people think bad tenants were on benefits.  Officers regularly talk with landlords about tenants situations.

In response to a question, officers informed members that the council was not in a position to refuse properties from private landlords.  She explained that the only requirement was that properties must meet the Public Health Standards.  The council looked at properties in rural areas as well as urban areas for people who the council had a duty to rehouse and other groups in housing need. 

Councillor John Burns referred to Appendix 1 (page 23) in relation to Universal Credit, and suggested including a general sentence on how it was working so far, to which officers provided a response.

The Committee wished to congratulate the team on all their hard work, particularly around working with vulnerable people.

It was then proposed by Councillor Margaret Marks, seconded by Councillor Paul Hopfensperger, and with the vote being unanimous, it was:

          RECOMMENDED

That subject to comments made during the meeting, the Draft West Suffolk Homelessness Reduction Strategy, be approved.