Agenda item

Report CS16004

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report outlining the Local Authority’s updated approach to the procurement of temporary accommodation and the placement of clients to whom the Local Authority owed a statutory rehousing duty into temporary accommodation.

Legislation provided that ‘so far as reasonably practicable’, the Local Authority was required to secure accommodation within its own area.  There was currently insufficient accommodation within the Borough to meet the Local Authority’s statutory re-housing duties, with similar housing pressures relating to affordability and supply impacting local authorities both regionally and nationally.  The increased use of temporary accommodation across London, and in particular the volume of out-of-Borough placements had given rise to a number of legal challenges which had placed increased restrictions and stipulations on the type of accommodation that could be offered, as well as the requirement to have regard to the need to promote as well as safeguard the welfare of any children in a household. 

The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Strategy and the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy had been developed in response to the changing requirements of recent case law around provision of temporary accommodation, and to avoid the risk of legal challenge by setting out clearly how the Local Authority sought to produce a sufficient supply of suitable temporary accommodation and make the most appropriate use of this supply to meet its statutory re-housing duties.  Whilst there were insufficient resources available to ensure that all households received an allocation of in-Borough accommodation, the Local Authority was committed to ensuring that priority for such placements was given to households that had been identified as having the greatest need to remain in-Borough, including those who were employed, had children attending education or were receiving critical medical care within the Borough, and those for whom there were safeguarding concerns, particularly those relating to child protection.

In response to a question from a Member, the Assistant Director: Housing Needs confirmed that work continued to be undertaken with private sector landlords to secure housing.  This included support from a dedicated officer, an annual landlords’ event and work to address individual issues that could be causing concern, such as the introduction of Universal Credit.  Work would continue to be undertaken to support clients into temporary and permanent accommodation, but it was also proposed to work more closely with key agencies around early intervention to reduce homelessness, such as by signposting families to appropriate support.

A Co-opted Member underlined the need to understand health issues, both physical and mental, which could contribute to a person becoming homeless or develop as a result of homelessness, and noted that homelessness could also be barrier to accessing GP services and other key factors for wellbeing, including good nutrition.  A Member also highlighted the increasing proportion of older people seeking temporary accommodation and further information on the age of clients seeking temporary accommodation would be provided to Members following the meeting.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the Temporary Accommodation Procurement Strategy and the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy in order to enable formal implementation.