Issue - meetings

Report CS18023

The Committee considered a report providing an update on the progress towards adopting a new homelessness strategy by 2018 to comply with statutory requirements.

The Homelessness Act 2002 placed a statutory duty on the Local Authority to carry out a review of homelessness and develop a new homelessness strategy every five years.  The Homelessness Review, which provided a comprehensive assessment of the nature and extent of homelessness in the Borough, had recently been completed in partnership with a wide range of agencies and stakeholders.  This had identified a number of key findings, including the strong track record in tackling and preventing homelessness and in increasing the supply of temporary accommodation in Bromley.  It had also recognised that the issue of homelessness was increasing in the Borough, including the number of private rental sector residents facing eviction, and that there was an overall need for services to work holistically to tackle poverty, minimise the impact of welfare reform, improve access and standards for private rented accommodation and increase education and employment activities.  The Homelessness Strategy, which set out how the Local Authority would prevent homelessness and provide support to people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless during the coming five year period was underway and, following a period of consultation, was due to be provided to Members in January 2018 for approval; however, key elements of the strategy could not be finalised until the new code of guidance was published by the Department for Communities and Local Government which might impact timescales.

In response to a question from a Member, the Housing Compliance and Development Manager advised that the Homelessness Strategy brought together a number of workstreams that were already in progress, and would support an increase in joint working across a range of partners as well as placing a greater emphasis on early intervention, including preventing homelessness.

A Member underlined the need for the Homelessness Strategy to address a number of key concerns including the supply of private rented homes within the Borough to tenants in receipt of housing benefit and the use of homes in multiple occupancy.  Work should also be undertaken with schools to support families placed outside the Borough to maintain their children’s school places.  The Director: Housing confirmed that the Homelessness Strategy would incorporate a full range of issues around availability and sustainability of housing.  Another Member noted the high property rental costs within the Borough and was concerned that families were being ‘priced out’ of living in Bromley.

RESOLVED that Members’ comments on the key priority areas identified from the homelessness review for the new homelessness strategy be noted.