Decision details

Corporate Director agreed option 1 as outlined in detail in the attached decision sheet.

This allows the Refugee Resettlement Team (RRT) to continue to provide support to current guests and new arrivals, particularly through more intensive phases such as moving in to host accommodation and moving on to more permanent accommodation.

The extension of the YorHome development worker refugees post for a further 12 months to 31.03.2025 allows the post to continue to recruit new landlords and to manage those properties currently being brought into the service to house refugees. If there is not adequate staffing in place to manage properties which are brought into the service for refugees there is a risk to income (through rent arrears) and a risk of reputational damage due to landlord dissatisfaction. There will be an ongoing need to source more PRS properties for refugees due to the extension of the HfU program, the ongoing ARAP/ACRS/UKRS programs, and positive asylum decisions relating to those living in Stay City.

The introduction of an Integration Officer post fixed term until 31.03.2025 to support asylum seekers and to support housing options team with the increasing number of more complex homeless approaches from asylum seekers. This will support asylum seekers and also support CYC in responding to and supporting this group through the creation of a dedicated post with the relevant skills and knowledge to help individuals to navigate into the services and support they are entitled to.

Please see attached decision sheet for full details of Options 1 and 2.

Option 2 is rejected due to the risk that this will lead to an increase in homeless presentations, poorer outcomes for refugees/asylum seekers and reputational damage to the council. Although the short term savings are greater it is likely that in the medium term this would lead to increased costs to the council through the provision of more expensive services.