Agenda item

Presentation by the Assistant Director Housing and Revenue

The Assistant Director Housing and Revenues submitted a presentation (previously circulated) providing Members with an annual review of the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and in doing so outlined the key aims of the strategy.

The presentation provided details of the number of homeless presentations, total number of days spent in temporary accommodation and the number of people sleeping rough in Darlington and across the Northeast region. Figures were also provided for the number of households with children in temporary accommodation.

Details were provided of the work undertaken since the strategy was implemented, including setting up a new Homeless Forum, a multi-agency partnership which had been established to help drive improvements and enhance partnership working, the recruitment of a dedicated housing options officer (domestic abuse) and increased temporary accommodation units, including the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme and the 700 Club’s Forever Homes project. Members also noted that Task and Finish groups had been established as part of the forum to look at a range of specific areas, including improving information available for the public and professionals, sourcing more move-on accommodation and increasing specialist accommodation for people with complex needs.

It was reported that the new National Plan to End Homelessness was published on 11 December 2025; that this recognised that local authorities cannot end homelessness alone or overnight, and that partnership working and local action plans are key; the plan focuses on change across the whole homeless level; and as part of the plan, grant funding is available and has been included in the new consolidated local authority finance agreements. Members were also informed that each local authority must produce a new action plan by October 2026 with sign off by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and that actions must be based on local need and link in with the Council’s homeless strategy. 

The presentation outlined the planned work for the next 12 months, with particular reference made to the implementation of the new action plan in line with A National Plan to End Homelessness, agreement of local targets and performance indicators in line with the new national plan, increasing the amount of good quality temporary accommodation, preparing for the Renters Rights Act and continued work around reducing rough sleeping.

Following a question about the numbers of homeless presentations, Members were advised that these figures included repeat presentations for homelessness with Members noting the work undertaken to address these; and following a question, Members were advised that improved engagement with private landlords was needed with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act and what incentives could be made available.

Following a question, Members were informed that there had been an increase in the number of families presenting as homeless; that this was thought to be as a result of Section 21 notices being served; and that given the numbers on the waiting list, there was a lack of move-on properties. Confirmation was given that, whilst bed and breakfast accommodation was sometimes used to house families temporarily in emergencies, the Council has never exceeded the 6-week limit. Members noted that additional properties were also being sought from other regulated social housing providers.

Further discussion ensued regarding hidden homelessness and Members were assured that work was undertaken to identify those at risk of rough sleeping. However, Members noted the positive impact outreach support was having on rough sleeping.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.