Decision details

Purpose of Report: To present proposed changes and updates to the Homeless Strategy 2013-18.

The Executive Member is asked to consider and agree the Homeless Strategy Review and action plan for the forthcoming three years.

This decision will be taken at a public Executive Member decision session on 14^th October. This was originally entered on the forward plan for decision during July due to an administrative error.

This decision will now be taken on Monday 12 October due to officer availability.

Resolved:

(i)           That the report, which contains national and local changes since the publication of the Homeless Strategy in 2013 and takes account of consultation findings, be agreed and published.

(ii)          That the updated action plan which will run alongside the current Homelessness Strategy 2013-18, ‘A City Partnership to prevent homelessness’, be adopted and published.

(iii)        That Member commitment to the principle of preventing homelessness, tackling the causes of homelessness and ensuring that City of York provide an appropriate service to meet the statutory requirement under Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Act 2002 be confirmed.

Reason: The Homelessness Strategy is a legal requirement.  The Local Authority has a statutory duty to provide advice, and information services to anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.  The local Authority has a duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households (criteria apply under Housing Act 1996).  A review is necessary to incorporate current trends, legal changes, financial constraints and service requirements.