Issue - meetings

The Assistant Director of Housing and Community Safety to present a report which provides an update on action completed and proposed in response to the motion on Homelessness agreed by Full Council in October 2017, and work carried out in preparation for the Homeless Reduction Act.

Resolved:  (i)      That the progress made in response to the motion to Council be noted.

(ii)      That Option 1 be approved and the following changes and proposals endorsed and agreed, as detailed in paragraphs 55-59 of the report:

a)   To operate severe weather provision continuously throughout the winter period until 28 February 2018, instead of on cold nights only;

b)   To explore innovative ideas to build more one-bedroom properties as part of the allocation in the Housing Revenue Account for the construction of new council properties at an affordable social rent.

c)   To give consideration to expanding the number of emergency beds in the city, using the £125k available over a 3-year period to pilot an innovative scheme to meet the needs of the city.

d)   To consider employing a Private Rented Officer to work with existing services to help individuals access the private rented sector and to offer support and contact for landlords.

Reason:     To look at further ways to tackle the challenge of rough sleeping in York, recognising that there is not an immediate solution due to the chaotic lifestyles of some customers and the potential implications of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

The Assistant Director of Housing & Community Safety presented a report which provided an update on actions completed and proposed in response to the motion on Homelessness agreed by Full Council in October 2017, and on work carried out in preparation for the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

The report outlined the range of services available to rough sleepers in the context of the statutory homeless and single homeless – resettlement services provided by City of York Council and partner agencies.  All known rough sleepers had been offered help and support to access accommodation, though some had been excluded due to their behaviour and some had refused any form of help.  As of 3 January 2018, there were 9 rough sleepers in York; this figure fluctuated.

Actions already completed or in progress were listed in paragraphs 39 to 54 of the report.  Additional proposals developed in response to the Council motion were set out in paragraphs 56 to 59.  Members were invited to decide whether to approve these (Option 1) or reject them (Option 2).

In response to questions from Members and matters raised under Public Participation, Officers confirmed that the street team engaged regularly and directly with rough sleepers, who had also been involved in previous consultation exercises.

Resolved:  (i)      That the progress made in response to the motion to Council be noted.

(ii)      That Option 1 be approved and the following changes and proposals endorsed and agreed, as detailed in paragraphs 55-59 of the report:

a)   To operate severe weather provision continuously throughout the winter period until 28 February 2018, instead of on cold nights only;

b)   To explore innovative ideas to build more one-bedroom properties as part of the allocation in the Housing Revenue Account for the construction of new council properties at an affordable social rent.

c)   To give consideration to expanding the number of emergency beds in the city, using the £125k available over a 3-year period to pilot an innovative scheme to meet the needs of the city.

d)   To consider employing a Private Rented Officer to work with existing services to help individuals access the private rented sector and to offer support and contact for landlords.

Reason:     To look at further ways to tackle the challenge of rough sleeping in York, recognising that there is not an immediate solution due to the chaotic lifestyles of some customers and the potential implications of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.