Agenda item

Report HPR2023/003

The report presented the 2023/24 Quarter 2 update to the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan.

In considering the update, Members noted the ongoing pressures on housing in the Borough.  Temporary accommodation costs continued to rise and a complete non-supply of homelessness accommodation alongside a reduction in the availability of privately rented accommodation had required the Local Authority to make placements in hotel accommodation.  Work was underway to mitigate costs arising from these placements, including block-booking, and a new key performance indicator would track the average cost of temporary accommodation placements going forward.  A Member queried whether the Local Authority delivered satellite support services to those accommodated in hotels and was advised that a rolling visiting programme was in place for all those in temporary accommodation.  There was also a well-established Council outreach programme at venues across the Borough and dedicated outreach surgeries could be arranged at any hotel where there was a quantum of residents in temporary accommodation.  Another Member asked about support for those with complex needs and the Director: Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration advised that the accommodation pathway brought together key partners to provide a wraparound service for vulnerable individuals and families and that this was further supported by a casework system.  The Local Authority would continue to encourage housing providers and developers to increase the amount of adapted accommodation available for those with complex needs.

A Member asked whether the Government’s ‘Rent a Room’ scheme was being promoted to Bromley residents and was advised that the Local Authority’s website gave basic advice about this and similar opportunities and that this type of accommodation would also be considered for inclusion in the Local Authority’s Homeless Strategy in future.  Another Member asked about Government plans to address the ongoing housing pressures and the Portfolio Holder explained that whilst she could not speak for the Government, the Local Authority was working closely with other local authorities, including via London Councils, to share best practice, maximise funding opportunities and lobby for change in particular areas of policy.  Housing and temporary accommodation pressures and concerns were widely acknowledged and shared at every level of government, and it was evident that there were no easy answers.  In response to a question from another Member, the Director: Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration listed some of the schemes that the Local Authority had in place to support and sustain private tenancies, including a scheme in which the Local Authority leased properties directly from the landlord.

In response to a question from a Member on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) H2, the Director: Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration was pleased to report that the Housing Options team was now fully staffed and that specialist HR packages would encourage future retention and future recruitment.  Another Member observed that KP1 H5 showed that over 75% of the Local Authority’s temporary accommodation was located outside the Borough and the Director: Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration confirmed that whilst every effort was made to identify temporary accommodation within the Borough, this was increasingly difficult for reasons of cost.  The Member raised a further concern regarding KPI P12 which showed that the market share of the Building Control Service remained consistent with 2022 and the Director:  Housing, Planning, Property and Regeneration explained that this was highly competitive market but that the Local Authority was working to increase its market share.

RESOLVED: That the progress on the actions associated with the Housing, Planning and Regeneration Portfolio Plan for Quarter 2 of the 2023/24 financial year be noted.