To approve a new accommodation strategy for vulnerable young people in Herefordshire.

The cabinet member for young people and children’s wellbeing introduced the report. He stated that it was right for the council to have a specific strategy for vulnerable young people transitioning to adulthood which included young people with disabilities and Looked After Children (LAC). The cabinet member highlighted the long term vision, phased approach and clear principles which were at the heart of the strategy.

The strategic wellbeing and housing manager summarised the report. He noted that the focus of the strategy was on increasing the availability of targeted and supported housing for three groups: looked after children and care leavers including unaccompanied asylum seeking children, disabled young people transitioning to adulthood and disabled children living with their families. Each of the groups had different needs. It was noted that there was some difficulty in projecting with confidence how many individuals within each group would need targeted housing and that work was taking place to improve understanding of future need. Some consultation and engagement had already taken place but more was required and would continue during the implementation of the strategy.

The cabinet member for financial management and ICT noted that units of supported accommodation were expected to be created as a result of the council’s agreement to forego its entitlement to capital income when Herefordshire Housing Limited disposed of properties. He asked if there were a timetable for delivery of these units and whether this matched up with the potential savings set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The strategic wellbeing and housing manager confirmed that the two were aligned in general but further work was needed to map this out in detail.

Group leaders were asked for their comments.

The leader of the Herefordshire Independents group asked for clarification on the risks identified in relation to national policy changes to enhanced housing benefit.

The strategic wellbeing and housing manager explained that where a housing provider was required to provide enhanced or intensive housing management the costs were generally met through a claim for enhanced housing benefit. The Government had announced that this system would end in March 2019 to be replaced by a grant stream to the council for it to fund supported housing discretionally. The grant received would be based on an estimate of need. Details of the new scheme were awaited but there was concern that the council might not have the data required to accurately project the level of need. Work was being undertaken to improve data collection and analysis to mitigate this risk.

The group leader then asked whether having an efficient system in place would have benefits for other services. The manager responded that this was possible as the council would directly control the grant stream and have the opportunity to manage it in a complimentary way to the support and care provided at home for vulnerable people. However there was no reason to believe that the new system would lead to additional funds becoming available.

The leader of the It’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24