Issue - meetings

Report of Director: Wellbeing

Purpose of report

To consider the priorities and actions set out in the new Homelessness Strategy 2018-20 and Action Plan and approve these documents for implementation.

It is a statutory requirement to have a Homelessness Strategy and to have carried out a review of homelessness in the council area.

The strategic priorities identified for Cherwell are:

·                     Prevent and relieve homelessness in the district

·                     Prevent single homelessness

·                     Ensure vulnerable people can access appropriate help and support

·                     Ensure homeless households can access suitable temporary and permanent accommodation

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To approve the Homelessness Strategy 2018-2020 and Action Plan which are based on a review of homelessness in the district in order to ensure that the Council meets statutory requirements and is able to respond effectively to the needs of homeless households.

Resolved

(1)          That the Homelessness Strategy 2018-2020 and Action Plan (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) which are based on a review of homelessness in the district be approved in order to ensure that the Council meets statutory requirements and is able to respond effectively to the needs of homeless households.

The Executive Director: Wellbeing submitted a report to consider the priorities and actions set out in the new Homelessness Strategy 2018-20 and Action Plan and approve these documents for implementation.

It was a statutory requirement to have a Homelessness Strategy and to have carried out a review of homelessness in the council area. The strategic priorities identified for Cherwell are: Prevent and relieve homelessness in the district; Prevent single homelessness; Ensure vulnerable people can access appropriate help and support; and, Ensure homeless households can access suitable temporary and permanent accommodation.

Resolved

(1)           That the Homelessness Strategy 2018-2020 and Action Plan (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) which are based on a review of homelessness in the district be approved in order to ensure that the Council meets statutory requirements and is able to respond effectively to the needs of homeless households.

Reasons

Under homelessness legislation local housing authorities are required to carry out a review of homelessness in their district and to then formulate and publish a homelessness strategy based on its results. Therefore Members are recommended to approve the Homelessness Strategy to ensure the Council meets its statutory requirements and is able to respond effectively to the needs of homeless households.

Alternative options

Option 1: To not approve the Homelessness Strategy 2018-2020 and Action Plan but this would mean the Council would not be meeting its statutory requirements. Also the Council would not have a strategic approach for responding effectively to the needs of homeless households in the district.