Agenda item

To consider a report by the Homelessness Prevention Commissioning Officer (copy enclosed) updating members on progress in implementing the Homelessness Prevention Action Plan.

10.05 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence introduced the report (previously circulated) updating members on progress in implementing the Homelessness Prevention Action Plan as requested by the Committee at its meeting in November 2017.  She reminded members of the major changes introduced by the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014 and focus on the prevention and intervention measures to homelessness, highlighting that the problem had been compounded by continuing austerity and welfare changes including Universal Credit.

Members’ attention was drawn to the update and key actions over the next two years as detailed in the appendix to the report which incorporated actions required by the Denbighshire Homelessness Prevention Strategy and Denbighshire Supporting People/Homelessness Prevention Annual Plan with a focus on priority areas as recommended by the Wales Audit Office.  The need for the Council to work in partnership with both internal and external organisations in order to achieve those aims was emphasised.

Responding to members’ questions the Lead Member, Head of Community Support Services, Team Manager Housing Solutions and Supporting People and the Homelessness Prevention Commissioning Officer –

·         confirmed that Supporting People (SP) grant funding to address homelessness was secured for 2018/19 and would continue beyond that – however as part of the proposed future funding changes more emphasis on intervention was being prescribed by the Welsh Government and there was uncertainty about who would distribute the proposed ‘super grant’ and how it would be allocated

·         acknowledged there were issues with other organisations setting up as homeless charities and the Council and partners were working with them in order to offer training on how best to deal with the issues raised and complement the Homelessness Strategy, highlighting the clear pathway for those in need of support – SP projects were well monitored by the Welsh Government and managed within a pathway to determine the best provider for an individual/family

·         advised that homelessness prevention services commissioned by SP were based in both rural and town areas and it was agreed to circulate a copy of the Directory of Services to Committee members; reference was also made to the Regional Providers’ Forum and work ongoing to establish a multi-agency Homelessness Forum which members would be welcome to attend

·         clarified the role of ‘Community Navigator’ linked to different areas with one Community Navigator part allocated to homelessness with a focus on Universal Credit – offering early intervention advice and support with a presence in Rhyl job centre to signpost individuals where necessary, ensuring issues were dealt with at an early stage to prevent homelessness

·         explained that given the number of those precariously housed it was difficult to determine specific figures for homelessness with some individuals not traditionally living on the streets but ‘sofa surfing’/staying with friends – there were approximately 60 cases a week presenting to the Council as homeless/at risk of homelessness

·         elaborated upon work being undertaken to identify those individuals/families who would be affected by Universal Credit at an early stage and targeting support to prevent homelessness – all homelessness prevention staff, including those in commissioned services, had received Universal Credit awareness training in order to effectively support people in those circumstances and the Council had worked closely with Citizens Advice in that regard

·         acknowledged that, in terms of Universal Credit, particular groups may not have the necessary skills or access to IT required and work was ongoing to support those individuals; it was also noted that more working families and young people were being affected and feedback highlighted their preference to use digital and social media for accessing services and managing benefits

·         provided assurances regarding the use of particular temporary accommodation but highlighted the difficulties in finding suitable temporary quality accommodation to meet the needs of individuals and there were plans to undertake a feasibility study on temporary accommodation; work continued with providers/landlords to improve the quality of accommodation and prevent evictions

·         highlighted the difficulties of engaging with young people to prevent youth homelessness and reported upon a joint feasibility study with Conwy County Borough Council to provide quality accommodation for approximately five youths in each county area subject to Welsh Government funding which would reduce the need for Bed & Breakfast accommodation

·         reiterated that individuals could present themselves to the Council as at risk or homeless and would be referred to the SP service and individuals were also referred via other agencies such as Citizens Advice – following the merger of the Supporting People and Housing Solutions Teams the Council’s response was far quicker and the service was regularly advertised via Talking Points

·         clarified the use of issuing bus passes to individuals which was a reciprocal agreement across neighbouring authority areas.

At the conclusion of the discussion members were keen to receive a further progress report in approximately six months’ time in order to continue to monitor progress on implementation of the Plan.  Members also felt it would be useful for future reports to include more detail on the specific number of individuals/families identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness.  It was also hoped that further detail regarding the proposed future funding changes would be available from the Welsh Government.  Consequently the Committee –

RESOLVED, subject to the above observations to –

(a)       support the delivery of the Homelessness Prevention Action Plan, to ensure that everyone is supported to live in homes that meet their needs;

(b)       note assurances that plans are being developed to mitigate any risks associated with the potential future withdrawal of the protection currently afforded to Supporting People funding for homelessness prevention work, and

(c)        requests that a further progress report on delivery of the Homelessness Prevention Action Plan be presented to the Committee at its meeting in November 2018.

At this juncture (11.00 a.m.) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.