Agenda item

Report attached from Councillor Cummins, Cabinet Member for Housing Services.

Councillor Cummins, Cabinet Member for Housing attended the meeting supported by Council colleagues, Kate Waterhouse, Executive Director Strategy and Transformation and John Holman, Director of Housing to provide an update to Members on the Council’s homelessness strategy. 

An accompanying report was circulated in advance of the meeting which provided information in respect of:

·         Current pressure on the service

·         Migration

·         Themes and prevention

·         Statutory homeless response

·         Support to rough sleepers

·         Asylum dispersal, including refugee crisis (Afghan & Ukrainian).

·         Future strategy and innovation.

The Cabinet Member reported that demand on Council housing services including statutory homelessness and rough sleeping has continued to increase since the strategy approval and since the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. Over the last 36 months demand for statutory services in Bury has increased by over 49% and expected to continue to increase further and the number of rough sleepers and non-statutory customers has more than doubled and continues to increase and is becoming more challenging to accommodate and support due to the increasing complexities and with the resources and suitable accommodation available.

In discussions that followed the following issues and concerns were raised:

In response to a Member question, the Cabinet Member reported that, different services non-Statutory will include households or individuals not eligible for priority need accommodation or deemed to be intentionally homeless or not gone through the legal application for housing. Statutory Homeless, households or individuals who are accepted by the Council as homeless. These are unintentionally homeless or in priority need, families with dependent children, pregnant women, adults who are assessed as vulnerable.

In response to a Member’s question, in regards to the issues with Homeless persons presenting at the Town Hall reception, Councillor Cummins reported that these are non-statutory homeless applicants comprising of single males and one female. These people are visible but there are also a cohort of non-statutory homeless who are less visible.

Whilst the Council assist in finding a resolution they have no statutory duty in these cases.  In several instances accommodation in the private sector, which applicants fund (not the Council), has been found.  The Council have given employment and housing advice as well as directing those to the migration officers.  Those in attendance were directed to the sit-up provision however the lack of housing is of serious concern.

In a response to a Member’s question in respect of Section 21 notices, the Director of Housing reported that the service is under immense pressure and it is a National problem. The problem is exacerbated by no fault evictions and Legislation in respect of this matter is currently progressing through Parliament. 

Responding to a Member’s question in respect of the 1000 long term voids in the Borough; the Director of Housing reported that the Council has an Empty Properties Strategy.  Officers in the Council will approaching home owners to ask them to sell/release properties.  The Cabinet Member reported that four private rented properties have been purchased in the last twelve months, under this scheme.  Those that have been empty for longer than two years have been targeted first in addition those with those with building safety concerns would be prioritised.

Members discussed the data presented in the report. Table one ‘ Open Homeless statutory cases each month’ showed a steady trend of increasing cases.

Members discussed the long term housing growth strategy and the need to stand up more capacity. Members questioned internal capacity and were advised that two additional migration workers have been recruited along with support from the voluntary and Community Sector. Members were informed that there are quick wins with regards to Void properties, looking for new properties, being proactive and working with our Greater Manchester partners.

Members held discussion with regards to building disposal. In response members were informed that the Business, Growth and Infrastructure Regeneration Housing Board Sub-Group are completing work on the cost to enhance properties verses new build homes.

Members discussed the time that is taken to bid for monies to support the service and the delay this can have on projects but were advised that there is no route around this process.

Members discussed vulnerable adults including Military Veterans, and those fleeing Domestic Violence. In response members were informed that wrap around support is offered and this is included within the Allocation Policy. Members were advised that the Council does not automatically support  families with meals and transport when placed out of borough, but will review each individual family as required.

Work taking place now to reduce homelessness are closer working together across departments; opening a housing reception and making decisions quicker.

Members discussed the Care leavers strategy, the Corporate Parenting Board’s key priorities and Ofsted’s recommendation to have a council housing tenancy sustainment package.

Members discussed the corporate risk register with regards to asylum and immigration matters. In order to bring down the risk, short term needs to be replaced by long term funding as winter pressures monies are currently closing the gap. 

It was agreed:

1.    The Homeless Strategy item should be revisited in the new municipal year at the earliest opportunity.