For Cabinet to endorse the Homelessness Strategy, including the associated Action Plan, prior to full publication in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG).

The Cabinet Member for Social Care Adults introduced the report to Cabinet advising Members that an executive summary would be produced to accompany the Herefordshire Homelessness Strategy 2008-13. 

The Head of Strategic Housing Services, Richard Gabb, advised Members of a formatting error on page 82 of the report, as roman numerals should be indicated following the reference to (c).

The Cabinet was informed that as prevention was considered a key outcome of the homelessness strategy, a refocused team had been established to provide appropriate support for this outcome.  Mr Gabb advised Members that whilst defined within the strategy as a key outcome, ending the use of bed and breakfast as temporary accommodation would be problematic.  Additional pressures included the impact of the credit crunch, with the Council experiencing for the first time professional working people seeking information on dealing with difficulties in meeting mortgage payments. Similar problems were also being experienced in other local authorities, with some Councils housing those in need of temporary accommodation in neighbouring authorities.  With the end of bed and breakfast, Members were advised of the need to ensure the availability of appropriate accommodation.

The Head of Strategic Housing Services advised the Cabinet that a strength of Herefordshire Council was working in partnership and this was evident within the Housing agenda. Further work was being undertaken to improve and strengthen joint working with both voluntary and statutory organisations.  Members were informed that joint protocols were being developed with the Registered Social Landlord (RSLs) in order that potential problems, once identified could be actioned, or to allow for appropriate intervention to take place.

Members were advised of the relatively high number of 16 and 17 year olds who were homeless due to parental eviction; and aligned to this pregnancy was also highlighted as an issue for this age range.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Strategic Housing stated that the issues outlined in the report and strategy reinforced the County’s need to deliver 850 affordable homes in next three years.  This would be challenging within the current financial climate as there would be a potential loss of up to 50% of planned new affordable homes due to the pressures on housing developers and cut backs within their organisations.  The Cabinet Member additionally raised concerns, following the publication of a national report, which highlighted the high number of ex-service men who were homeless

In response to the points raised, Mr Derek Allen, Change Manager Homelessness, stated that nationally it was recognised that some of those leaving the armed services did have specific issues when they reintegrated into society which may lead some individuals to homelessness.  Mr Allan stated that national guidance existed which sought to address these particular issues and that former service men were not barred from accessing Council facilities e.g. Home Point.  Members were advised that the Council did receive correspondence seeking advice from former service men on how they could access the system and it was recognised that on leaving the services some do sometimes struggle.  The Council was actively corresponding with local MPs on these issues.

A Member in attendance requested the names of the elected members who were representatives on the Homelessness Strategy Implementation Group (HSIG) as no individual Members had been noted on the membership outlined on Appendix 4 of the strategy. The good work undertaken on homelessness in the County was acknowledged and a Member in attendance applauded the contribution from Herefordshire to the ongoing work within the regional agenda.

In response to the questions raised, the Head of Strategic Housing Services advised that a written answer would be provided on the elected member representation on the HSIG which had been established further to the scrutiny review undertaken two years previously which focussed on homelessness.  Whilst the HSIG had met it was acknowledged that there was a need to reimplement the group.  He emphasised that whilst around 35% of private housing developments in the County had, or were in the process of being ‘paused’ the authority must continue to provide affordable housing.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Strategic Housing advised Cabinet that much work was ongoing to address the affordable housing situation, however a simple solution did not exist.  The authority was making efforts to find property and ensuring funding from housing associations, however, many banks were not lending monies to housing associations as they were considered to be a ‘sub prime’ risk.

In response to a question raised about the amount of pressure on service provision as a result of people external to the county seeing support, the Change Manager Homelessness stated that currently there was no undue pressure created as fewer than 5% of the known homelessness figures related to individuals external to the County.

A Member in attendance emphasised the concerns raised regarding the drop in house building and stated that whilst this would directly affect future provision the Council needed to ensure the appropriate allowance for and allocation of affordable housing.  Particular concerns were raised in respect of housing provision for young people and especially those who had been looked after children. It was imperative that such vulnerable people, as well as other vulnerable groups were supported by the Council.  It was further stated that whilst the strategy produced was good, there was now a need to follow through the actions to achieve the desired outcomes.

The Chairman stated that a scrutiny review on Transition from Leaving Care to Adult Life was currently being undertaken under the Chairmanship of Councillor J Pemberton, the outcomes of which were to be reported soon.

In response to a question raised regarding the evidence base used by the Council regarding homelessness issues, and specifically with regard to how the system is accessed, the Head of Strategic Housing Services stated that Members would be provided with details on the information requested.

A Member in attendance referred to the good work undertaken for young people within the Foyer system and stated that whilst those currently accessing the Foyer services were benefiting, many of which were vulnerable people, a further 84 individuals were on the Foyer waiting list.  In addition, the point was raised that sensible small developments within the County need to be supported through the planning process.

The Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation highlighted the plight of the hidden homelessness, which included rough sleepers who were often drawn to using drugs.  It was stated the cost to society of criminal behaviour attached to such addiction was great, with individuals often offending to be placed on a scheme.  Consideration needed to be given as to how such individuals could be diverted away from criminality.  To assist with alleviating homelessness, consideration should be given to the strategy adopting a ‘month up front’ facility to support initial payments for rental properties.

There was general support for the need to provide more Foyers, the benefits of their work, (which taught life and social skills) with a member in attendance stating that whilst difficult to formally quantify, was considerable.  It was stated that future consideration should be made to establish a Foyer centre for service men to assist them in adjusting back to society.

The Chairman stated that the armed forces were an important part of the County and officers should explore future possibilities with the Army Benevolent Fund.

RESOLVED that

(a)               The Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013 be agreed, including the associated appendices and action plan, to meet the national and local targets, and

(b)               An Annual update report be presented to Cabinet on progress against the Homelessness Strategy Action Plan