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Agenda item

District Homelessness Update

Purpose

To update the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on emerging homelessness pressures, and the plan to address these through the Preventing Homelessness Strategy and the Action Plan to Prevent Homelessness.

 

Recommendation

That Overview and Scrutiny resolves to:

1.    Note the update on emerging homelessness pressures

2.    Agree on any recommendation it wishes to submit to Cabinet regarding the draft Preventing Homelessness Strategy

3.    Agree on any recommendation it wishes to submit to Cabinet regarding the draft Preventing Homelessness Action Plan

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the District Homelessness Update and reported that, as of April, approximately 30 individuals—including both adults and children—were in temporary accommodation within the district. The Cabinet Member also presented the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, which aimed to shift the Council's approach from reactive responses to a focus on prevention.

Key challenges identified included delays in returning empty properties to use and a lack of sufficient enforcement mechanisms within the current system.

 

The Strategy’s key themes included enhanced data monitoring and integration, tackling long-term empty homes, and promoting collaborative working with other councils, health services, the police, training providers, and voluntary sector organisations. Briefings and training sessions for Town and Parish Councils were planned as part of this initiative.

 

Members discussed the report raising the following points:

  • Members raised concerns about the challenges involved in securing support for identified rough sleepers. The Officer explained that members of the public were encouraged to report sightings through StreetLink, which served as the initial point of contact. The aim was for outreach teams to visit the reported location within 24 hours to assess and engage with the individual concerned.
  • Members acknowledged the Strategy’s recognition of the need to reduce bureaucracy and to identify barriers within service delivery that hinder support for individuals at risk of homelessness.
  • Members questioned how the reported number of homelessness cases was determined. The Officer explained that the data was based on the number of rough sleepers reported to the County’s rough sleeper outreach contact.
  • Members enquired about how the grant of £365,327 would be allocated to support the delivery of service priorities. The Deputy Chief Executive and the confirmed that a breakdown of how the funding for 2025/26 would be utilised would be provided.
  • A Member raised concerns about the disconnect between housing affordability and local income levels. The Member questioned whether the current proportion of affordable housing was sufficient to meaningfully address the widening gap between average earnings and house prices.
  • A Member questioned the extent to which less visible forms of homelessness were prevalent within the district and how these cases were being addressed. They also highlighted that many individuals experiencing homelessness faced complex challenges, including mental health issues, and requested further details on how the Council collaborated with other agencies to support those with more complex needs.

The Homeseeker Plus Lead explained that the Council worked with a range of partner organisations across Gloucestershire to provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Council aimed to offer flexible and appropriate housing solutions where possible. The discussion also covered the various pathways into homelessness and the different approaches required to address them effectively.

  • Members discussed the operation of the StreetLink system in identifying individuals experiencing homelessness. The discussion also covered the training provided to support effective engagement and assistance for rough sleepers.
  • Members discussed the need to improve public understanding of how housing is allocated through the HomeSeeker Plus system. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear communication to ensure transparency and manage expectations around the housing allocation process.
  • Members discussed the relationship between the funding received and the costs associated with delivering homelessness services. The Deputy Chief Executive explained that the Council’s approach to valuing outcomes was guided by its Corporate Business Plan. The Homelessness Reduction Grant was intended to be used for preventative measures and emergency placements.
  • The Chair inquired whether organisations that build homes specifically for rental would be a partnership worth exploring. Additionally, a request was made for a breakdown of the waiting list numbers across the three categories of housing need.

 

The Committee commended the team for the important work they carry out and the positive impact they have on people's lives. The Committee also expressed thanks to the Homeseeker Plus Lead who had stepped in and responded to questions at short notice.

 

Supporting documents:

 

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