Agenda item

To Follow

Sian Grant, Director of Housing, presented an update on the Government’s new national 10?year plan to end homelessness, outlining the shift towards preventing homelessness before crisis point. She explained that the national strategy is built around five pillars, including universal prevention to tackle the root causes of homelessness, reforms through the Renters’ Rights Act, and links to the national Child Poverty Strategy. The plan emphasises targeted prevention, stronger system-wide collaboration (including a potential new statutory duty to collaborate), and early intervention for individuals at higher risk. Sian highlighted a strong national emphasis on improving temporary accommodation, particularly reducing the use of B&B placements beyond six weeks.

She reported that the Government has allocated additional funding through the Homelessness Prevention Grant, creating an opportunity to redesign and reintegrate parts of the current service to improve coordination and efficiency. Locally, Bury has updated its own homelessness strategy following a comprehensive review, which shows a significant increase in demand over the past five years, alongside a sharp rise in the use and cost of temporary accommodation. Engagement with the voluntary and community sector has been completed to gather feedback, with organisations highlighting the need for respectful approaches and better recognition of lived experience. Next steps include deeper integration with public health, piloting an early?navigation model, and conducting an audit of temporary accommodation.

Cllr S. Jones reflected on feedback from charities, noting that although many have engaged, some organisations such as Red Door reported individuals feeling unable to speak to authority figures. He mentioned a case where someone with lived experience had attempted to help others, though this remained rare. He stressed that rough sleeping cases take time to resolve but are being treated seriously. Cllr Simpson shared an example of finding a veteran sleeping rough who felt intimidated by the system, noting this is a common experience among people living on the streets.

Cllr Boles asked who was responsible for producing the statutory action plan due in October. Sian confirmed that the Homelessness Partnership is leading this work and is collaborating with health, adult social care, and children’s services to define the strategic focus. She emphasised that co?production is central to the approach. Jon added that public health is involved due to the significant health risks associated with poor housing. Will Blandamer highlighted links between homelessness and hospital discharge pathways and mental health services, suggesting that new funding should help support earlier intervention for vulnerable individuals.

Cllr FitzGerald noted her involvement in the Homelessness Partnership and confirmed that policy development is ongoing. Cllr Boles asked who else should be included in the process who is not yet involved. Sian stated that people with lived experience need a stronger voice in both shaping and continuously influencing the service, and consideration is needed as to how this representation can be strengthened strategically.

Cllr Duncalfe raised concerns regarding landlords leaving the market following the end of Section 21 evictions, stating that many landlords are anxious about upcoming requirements. Sian advised she hoped the market would stabilise once the reforms were fully implemented. Cllr S. Jones asked about progress on Greater Manchester’s Housing First model, referencing Andy Burnham’s commitments. He noted that Bury has a small number of Housing First properties and asked whether more could be designated, as nine out of ten cases succeed once a stable home is provided. He also welcomed the idea of a “good landlord charter” to recognise responsible landlords, though acknowledged that upcoming changes in the Renters’ Rights Act may initially cause uncertainty.

Cllr Boles proposed that the committee take forward an action to ensure that lived?experience expectations are fully considered in the development of the homelessness strategy. Cllr Tariq concluded the discussion by emphasising that the relationship between health and housing is currently the strongest it has been in many years, with clear links demonstrated through the council’s new Extra Care Strategy. Bury aims to deliver five extra care schemes by 2035, including Redbank and Redvales, to support older adults. He suggested that, at an appropriate time, the strengthened partnership between housing and health should be brought back for further scrutiny.

It Was Agreed

·       The update be noted

·       To bring back an update in the next municipal year