Agenda item

As resolved at the Environment Select Committee meeting on 8 November 2023, the Committee to receive an update on the progress of the Homeless Prevention Strategy Action Plan.

Councillor Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, updated the Committee on progress to deliver on the Homeless Prevention Strategy Action Plan that was approved by Full Council in November 2019, alongside John Walker, Housing Solutions Service Manager.

The progress of each of the five priority areas were briefly detailed, with the continued significant increase in demand being highlighted. Despite this, officers had worked hard to retain sustainability, manage expectations, and increase the Council’s temporary accommodation portfolio. The unaffordability and unstable nature of the private rented sector alongside the rising demand for housing was noted and Members were reassured that the issues within the sector were nationwide and not affecting just Wiltshire specifically. Officers were confident that the strategy was dynamic and responsive and that it had demonstrated robustness and resilience across the service.

Finally, officers drew attention to the positive work undertaken within Priority 4, specifically the dedicated accommodation for care experienced young people and prison leavers as part of SDS40.

During the discussion, points included:

• It was confirmed that the impacts of SDS40 on the Council had been minimal.
• It was explained that the Rough Sleepers Service was very active with mechanisms in place to identify those persons who may begin rough sleeping, wraparound support for those persons with personal or health issues, and one officer dedicated to preventing rough sleeping at the outset. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the Council had a substantial rough sleeper portfolio with various temporary accommodations available for rough sleepers.
• Members raised concerns in respect of the potential for a higher rate of failure by housing rough sleepers outside of their community areas and into more central areas. In response, it was explained that as house prices varied significantly across Wiltshire, it was difficult to acquire suitable temporary accommodation stock in every community in order to meet local need. Despite this, Members were reassured that there was a significant purchasing programme in place and that officers undertook regular operational meetings on a case-by-case basis to move people on from temporary accommodation as soon as possible. However, it was highlighted that the speed in which people were rehoused was dependent on factors such as the persons themselves in terms of readiness to live independently, and the turnover rate of suitable affordable homes of the right size.
• It was explained that the number of rough sleepers within the County was assessed by a standardised annual count in line with a national formula alongside various internal systems, such as monthly snapshots. However, it was highlighted that due to the relatively small number of rough sleepers in County, there were inherent challenges around the interpretation of the trend line as one person could make a statistically large impact/variation. Furthermore, it was emphasised that rough sleepers were generally a transient group which could be difficult to quantify at times.
• Seasonal impacts were highlighted, with it being noted that rough sleeper numbers historically rose during the summer months when the temperature was warmer. It was also highlighted that although the Rough Sleeper Team engaged closely with a persistent and core group of rough sleepers and offered support and accommodation, there were challenges with those individuals who may be disengaged from more conventional lifestyles.
• It was further explained that during the winter months where the weather was forecast to be 0°c or below for three nights or longer, all partner organisations, statutory and voluntary agencies would be notified in order for them to organise any necessary arrangements to get any person known to be sleeping rough into temporary accommodation as soon as possible.
• It was noted that the current strategy and 5 priority areas had been very effective and that those practices implemented by the strategy were now embedded into the service and would be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Further to this, officers were reflecting upon the results of the past 5 years and were intending on continuing conversations with colleagues and stakeholders to maintain best practice.
• With regard to social rented homes, it was noted that the current rate at which social rented and affordable rented homes were being built was not meeting the pace of demand. However, although officers had no control over demand, they reassured Members that officers within the Council’s enabling function were working hard with landowners, developers, and housing providers/associations to develop other sites to meet the need, and that as much affordable housing as possible was being sought.
• It was noted that within the Development Programme, officers were considering all opportunities that best delivered homes in the most cost-effective way. As such, options such as prefabricated buildings or dwellings made from repurposed shipping containers were all investigated. However, it was highlighted that the priority was to acquire sustainable properties that ensured longevity, were suitable, and met necessary space standards for the individuals moving into them.
• Finally, officers were commended for their hard work and positive report, particularly with their approach around the Rough Sleeper Partnership.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was

Resolved:

The Committee:

a)    Welcomed the progress made on the Homeless Prevention Strategy Action Plan.

b)    Requested that the next Homeless Prevention Strategy Action Plan is presented to the Committee when appropriate. The report to also include budgets and trends in rough sleeper numbers.