Agenda item

This report updates the committee on measures being taken by the Council through its preventative work and resettlement pathways to provide support for people who are homeless and classed as either rough sleepers or single homeless people.

Officers presented an update report on the support given to ‘rough sleepers’ or ‘single homeless’ people in York, as requested at the previous meeting of the committee. Officers stated that the report from the charity Crisis in 2017, highlighting the number of Homeless deaths in York (11), included those in supported accommodation, the number of ‘rough sleepers’ who died in 2017 was 1. The report highlights that in 2007, there were 207 households in temporary accommodation. In 2017, this figure was at 68 and by September last year, the figure stood at 58. The number of ‘rough sleepers’ in the city reduced from 29 in 2017 to 9 in 2018 and Officers noted that York was one of three services that were initially awarded Gold standard in 2017 for the quality of provision.

Officers responded to the question posed by Gwen Vardigans in the Public Participation section of the meeting with the following comments:

-      The temporary accommodation at James House ensures that this provision is provided primarily at one location, which allows for support to be on site and focussed.

-      The support at James House includes helping Homeless people manage their future housing plans and apply for work.

-      The provision at James House is 57units and the current provision is 54, increasing the overall provision of units in the city and the quality of units.

In response to Members questions, officers stated that:

-      There is a need for improved specialist supported Housing specifically for complex mental health needs, however this funding is not currently available.

-      The criteria for Making Every Adult Matter can be flexible however this service is primarily designed for people with complex needs and anyone not fulfilling this criteria would be supported by resettlement services.

Officers clarified the definition of ‘Household’, explaining that this term refers to anyone going through temporary accommodation. Officers also clarified that they will only choose to use the ‘bed and breakfast’ option when they do not have temporary accommodation available. Officers also stated that all ‘rough sleepers’ had been offered accommodation.

Members commended the fantastic work of the Yes Below Zero project as an excellent example of partnership working.

Members were interested to understand that the issue of safety in hostels or accommodation, that has been reported as an issue elsewhere in the Country, is a problem for York. Officers noted that it is something people say but it can be related to whether homeless people want the accommodation offered as a result of the rules and regulations associated with it.

Members questioned the average age of people who have died on the streets and officers informed the committee that the national average age is 47, In York this figure was roughly 44.

In further questions from members regarding the continued provision of emergency accommodation outside of the winter months, officers stated that they were currently exploring the idea to keep the 5 bed unit open all year round. Officers also noted that there were a number of additional options and properties that were being considered as additional resource.

Members wanted to know what could be done to help the people who do not want to engage with services and whether officers would support a meeting of key partners to help challenge some of the pertinent issues. Officers stated that they were always happy to engage with partners and Councillors on challenging these issues and periodically run events along those lines.

Officers concluded by stating that they are working with partners to finance the model that was mentioned earlier and progress is being made.