Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Operational Delivery

Purpose of report

To consider the new legislation coming into force April 2018, the preparation undertaken for its implementation and the potential risks and challenges in meeting the Council’s duties

Recommendations

The Committee is recommended:

1.1      To consider the work being carried out to prepare the authority to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 in 2018;

1.2      To consider the potential impacts upon service delivery and resource implications in future years; and

1.3      To consider that the Shared Housing Service intend to adopt a collaborative approach to implement the new obligations imposed under the Act

Resolved

(1)       That the work being carried out to prepare the authority to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 in 2018 be noted

(2)       That the potential impacts upon service delivery and resource implications affecting the Council in future years be noted

(3)       That the intention of the Shared Housing Service to adopt a collaborative approach to implement the new obligations imposed under the Act be noted

The Committee considered a report from the Director of Operational Delivery that detailed new legislation coming in to effect from April 2018 regarding Homelessness Reduction.

The Housing Manager and the Housing Team Leader explained that it was not known what the level of change in demand would be as a result of the legislation.

A project plan had been put in place for use across Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire Councils. Government funding had been provided to assist with basic IT requirements, as there would be more information reported to government than was currently. Additional expenditure required was still being looked at.  

With regard to the Homelessness Review, the Housing Manager explained that it was due every 5 years, however the next review would be conducted in 12 months’ time, to compare and contrast the impact of the new legislation. The results from the review would then influence the new strategy.

In response to questions from the Committee, the Housing Manager said that the team had been preparing for the new legislation for 12 months, with the relevant tools in place to handle the changes. The main unknown was the volume of cases that would be generated.

The Committee requested that an update be provided in approximately 12 months’ time.

Resolved

(1)       That the work being carried out to prepare the authority to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 in 2018 be noted

(2)       That the potential impacts upon service delivery and resource implications affecting the Council in future years be noted

(3)       That the intention of the Shared Housing Service to adopt a collaborative approach to implement the new obligations imposed under the Act be noted