Agenda item

Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Update

Report of Assistant Director Housing and Revenues

Minutes:

The Assistant Director Housing and Revenues submitted a report (previously circulated) updating Members on the progress against the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy; and updating Members on the homeless service provision during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

 

It was reported that Darlington’s Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2019-2024 was approved by Cabinet on 9 July 2019; the strategy consisted of four main sections to satisfy the requirements of Section 1(1) of the Homelessness Act 2002; and reference was made to the five key supporting objectives to the Strategy.

 

The progress of the strategy’s action plan was monitored through the multi-agency Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Forum; and Members noted that of the 28 actions in the strategy, 19 had been completed; seven were progressing and on track to meet timescales for delivery; and that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, two were progressing but were not on track to meet timescales for delivery.

 

It was reported that in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the council had continued to deal with a significant increase in demand for homeless and housing options services; that as part of the Council’s ‘Everybody’s In’ agreement, anyone who presented to the Council as homeless had been placed in emergency accommodation; in 2020-21 230 households were placed in emergency accommodation, compared to 174 for the previous year, an increase of 32 percent; and that demand had remained high, with 110 households placed in emergency accommodation for the first quarter in 2021-22.

 

It was also reported that the length of stay in emergency accommodation for 2020-21 had seen a 176 per cent increase when compared to the previous year; that an increasing number of families were presenting as homeless, with 19 families placed in emergency accommodation since April 2021; and an emerging challenge had been finding accommodation and support for individuals with complex needs. Details were also provided of the progress that had been achieved despite the challenges of Covid-19.

 

Following a question, Members were advised that the position in respect of demand for emergency accommodation was similar across the Tees Valley; there was very limited availability of properties to move people on from emergency accommodation; and the 700 Club provided an outreach service for those that were homeless and not wanting accommodation. Members were assured that there was good partnership working in Darlington; and housing services had close links with Adult Social Care and health colleagues; and worked closely with the discharge team at West Park.

 

RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the report be noted.

 

(b) That the thanks of this Scrutiny Committee be extended to the Housing Services Team and 700 Club for their work.

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