Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which sought approval of the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for a seven week public consultation from 30 October 2023 to 18 December 2023 (for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor A Shield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion explained that the revised draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy had been developed in line with government guidance for reviewing homelessness. The draft strategy also met the requirements brought about under the Homelessness Act 2002 for the development and publication of a homeless strategy by every Housing Authority at least every five years.

The draft strategy was intended to be a working document, subject to improvements and had aligned its priority with the governments refreshed strategy, ‘Ending Rough Sleeping for Good’ which focussed on a “four-pronged approach” of prevention, intervention, and recovery, ensuring a joined-up transparent approach. The detailed review of the homelessness and rough sleeping strategy took place between 2019 and 2022 had been data led and evidence based. The review highlighted a number of issues. For example, the number of people able to remain in their existing home had reduced by 34% this was attributable to several reasons. For instance, the ending of private rented tenancies where landlords were selling properties, tenants being unable to afford the rent due to the cost of living crisis and falling into rent arrears and people, particularly women fleeing domestic abuse. The reduction in homelessness prevention was also partly due to internal reporting processes, for instance the incorrect apportionment criteria to the homelessness guidance which needed to be corrected and implemented before the strategy. There had also been an increase in the number of people with support needs, particularly those people with complex needs, those suffering with mental health, substance misuse, rough sleepers and ex-offenders.

A detailed delivery plan would be developed with key partners. It was a working document, and a light touch review would be carried out annually to consider any funding or policy changes. The plan would be updated accordingly after the annual review and reported back to Cabinet.

Councillor C Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services explained that a social determinant of health was widely recognised a lack of adequate housing or substandard housing which could negatively impact the health and wellbeing people. Homelessness and rough sleeping across County Durham and those at risk of, or losing a home, could result in many different structural or personal factors.  Not addressing those factors meant that the ability of an individual or family to become resilient or improving their chance of a positive future, was greatly reduced, placing them at risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of homelessness. The draft homelessness and rough sleeping provided a clear strategic direction and vision of how homelessness and rough sleeping across could be addressed across County Durham.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.