Agenda item

7.1

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Communities, which provided an update on Homelessness Key Performance issues.  The report was introduced by Zoe Young, Service Manager, Housing Options and Advice, with particular reference being made to current performance against key targets, a comparison of Homeless Acceptances with Core Cities, key customer information and an update on key actions including the Homeless Strategy, the prevention of homelessness, the Supported Accommodation Pathway and the impact of Welfare Reforms.  Appended to the report was a schedule of Prevention Action Plan Key Points.

7.2

Members made various comments and asked a number of questions, to which responses were provided as follows:

·                     There were presently thought to be 16 rough sleepers in the City which comprised a core group of 10, with the rest being a changeable group.  Officers were meeting with partners such as the South Yorkshire Police, Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and Turning Point to undertake action planning for each individual rough sleeper.

·                     Reports of individuals sleeping in multi-storey blocks were being dealt with and the South Yorkshire Police were reporting any such incidents to the Council.

·                     The soup kitchens in the City were used to make a connection with rough sleepers and it had been suggested that Turning Point could play an important part in this.

·                     It was difficult for those with complex needs to find accommodation, with risk and safeguarding sometimes being an issue.  The Council could discharge its legal duties through the private sector, but in these cases it was necessary to offer a one year tenancy.  It was felt that some of the Social Landlords could be more helpful in providing accommodation for homeless people.

7.3

RESOLVED: That the Committee:-

(a)       thanks Zoe Young for her contribution to the meeting;

(b)       notes the contents of the report and the responses to questions; and

(c)        agrees that the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, to inform him that the Social Landlords in the City could do more to provide accommodation for homeless people.