Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Housing

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the council’s use of its discretionary power under section 192 of the Housing Act 1996 be endorsed to secure accommodation for rough sleepers on the terms proposed within the body of this report, initially as a pilot for six months, commencing Monday 2^nd October. 

2.    It be noted that the Cabinet Member Housing will be delegated authority by the Leader to approve the continuation (or otherwise) of the council’s use of this discretionary power, following the review of this pilot towards the end of the six month period.

The Cabinet Member Housing introduced the report and explained that nationally rough sleeping had increased by an estimated 134% since 2010. Over the past two years there had also been a significant rise in rough sleeping in Cheltenham. He referred to the introduction of the Solace initiative between the police and the council to tackle anti-social behaviour which supported individuals to take responsibility for their actions, encouraging them to engage with a range of support services that were available whilst challenging those who did not. The purpose of this report was to seek approval to extend the support options further by focussing on a particular group of rough sleepers for whom the current range of accommodation options were relatively restricted due to the fact that they had little or no support needs so did not satisfy one of the key tests. The Cabinet Member highlighted the risk that if this group failed to secure alternative accommodation quickly then they may slip in a downward spiral of increasing support needs. Further to conversations with the Assertive Outreach Services and Cheltenham Borough Homes the council could expect to assist approximately 4-6 rough sleepers with little or no support needs in any given year. However, given that these are only estimates of need, it was appropriate to pilot this initiative for a period of six months in order to fully consider any unanticipated impacts arising as a result of the council’s decision to use its discretionary power.

Members welcomed the report and appreciated the ongoing work to support rough sleepers in the town.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the council’s use of its discretionary power under section 192 of the Housing Act 1996 be endorsed to secure accommodation for rough sleepers on the terms proposed within the body of this report, initially as a pilot for six months, commencing Monday 2^nd October. 

2.    It be noted that the Cabinet Member Housing will be delegated authority by the Leader to approve the continuation (or otherwise) of the council’s use of this discretionary power, following the review of this pilot towards the end of the six month period.