Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which provided an update on the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) and sought approval for a funding bid submitted to Homes England and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which requires match funding, albeit on a self-financing basis (for copy of report see file of minutes).

In moving the report Councillor J Rowlandson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investments and Asset explained the significant benefits in progressing the programme which would reduce the level of rough sleeping in the County, a key priority set out in the homelessness and rough sleeping strategy which had been developed in line with government guidance. Councillor Rowlandson quoted a number of statistics regarding rough sleepers and the factors leading to the numbers of rough sleepers. The funding bid would assist with the unmet need in the County and support the Council’s priority to reduce the use of temporary accommodation.

In Seconding the report, Councillor C Hood, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services explained promoting health and wellbeing was crucial due to the significant social expense associated with rough sleeping.

Councillor Hood highlighted that the lack of a settled home could cause or intensify social isolation, as well as create barriers to education, training and paid work and undermine mental and physical health. When homelessness became prolonged, or was repeatedly experienced, there were further deteriorations in health and well-being.

SHAP funding provided an opportunity to create new accommodation pathways coupled with intensive support for complex cohorts of people that housing solutions find challenging to source accommodation.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.