Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

2  Cabinet noted the report and recommendations.

Councillor Lane as chair of Overview and Scrutiny presented the report and expressed thanks to Councillor Russell as chair of the Scrutiny Panel, Councillor King, and Tracy Tiff for her excellent report.  He particularly highlighted the recommendations for increasing bed space for homeless women (2.1.2), providing solutions for those not eligible for benefits (2.1.3), sharing the report with others in the unitary area (2.1.8) and increasing social media presence to counter the perception that the council does nothing about homelessness (2.1.6).

Councillor Russell recommended the Housing First model (2.1.1) and highlighted the importance of developing and strengthening relationships (2.1.5).  In relation to 2.1.7 a scheme had been set up in Cambridge to encourage giving to a fund by contactless card rather than giving directly to people on the streets. Updating the recruitment policy to interview those with experience of rough sleeping (2.1.9) would also be a positive step.

Councillor Birch as a member of the Scrutiny Panel was concerned that interim action was needed with the onset of colder weather, since most of the recommendations addressed longer term issues.  The Leader asked how participation could be encouraged by those who choose not to engage with services provided.  Councillor Birch considered that recruiting ex-homeless people to explain how they got off the streets could be helpful.

Councillor Stone welcomed the recommendations.  She considered that the tie-in with mental health services needed to be improved, more and better quality temporary accommodation was required, serious case reviews needed to be implemented for each early death so that lessons were learned, and sexual assault needed to be taken more seriously.

Councillor Hibbert thanked the task panel for their presentation and work.  He noted that a single homelessness forum was being developed, the rough sleeper strategy was being reviewed, a winter shelter was being considered and housing stock was being built up.  He also pointed out that serious case reviews were led by NCC.

The Head of Housing and Wellbeing stated that there had previously been tensions between organisations, but partnerships were now stronger.  Government funding had resulted in additional posts to boost the work on rough sleeping.  Housing First provided a pathway to help those not able to access services by the normal route and funding had contributed to that.  He also pointed out that not everyone sleeping in a tent was homeless; the situation was complex. 

Councillor King reported that Navigators were available at the One Stop Shop.  16 Days of Activism in November would focus on domestic abuse.  She stated that she would report back on recommendation 2.1.7 (alternative giving scheme).

Councillor Russell queried whether part of the new funding would support people with tenancies, since this would reduce vulnerability by enabling them to develop life skills and resources.  The Head of Housing and Wellbeing stated that a mental health outreach worker was in post for a year and two people had been funded via NPH and NASH to provide tenancy support.  This enabled support to be provided to those who would not otherwise receive it.

RESOLVED:

Cabinet noted the report and recommendations.