Issue - meetings

This report asks Cabinet to agree the contents of the proposed homeless strategy and action plan and approve the strategy which will cover the period 2013-18.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve Option 1, to adopt the Homeless Strategy 2013 – 18 and associated action plan.

REASON:            To ensure that the council meet legal requirements and to adopt a framework on which to develop services for customers that are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Consideration was given to a report which presented the proposed homeless strategy and action plan to cover the period 2013-18. The authority had a duty to publish a homeless strategy every five years, with the first being published in 2003.

Key targets of the 2008-13 strategy and the achievements to date were presented at paragraph 4 of the report. Nationally it was reported that rough sleeping had increased by 43% with an increase in York from 2 in 2011 to 8 in 2012, with the use of temporary accommodation increasing to 99 at the end of 2012.

The strategy and action plan had been developed by a multi-agency Homeless Strategy Steering Group in consultation with stakeholders and customers with feedback where appropriate incorporated in the plan.

The Cabinet Member referred to the increase in those presenting themselves as homeless and the need for CYC staff to report any instances of rough sleeping. With an increase in those out of work, increases in the cost of living and changes to the benefits system it was considered that this would be a challenging 5 year Plan.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1 – To approve the proposed strategy and action plan.

Option 2 – To ask officers to amend the strategy and action plan.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve Option 1, to adopt the Homeless Strategy 2013 – 18 and associated action plan. ^1.

REASON:           To ensure that the council meet legal requirements and to adopt a framework on which to develop services for customers that are homeless or at risk of homelessness.