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Agenda item

Prevalence of homelessness in West Berkshire

To review the prevalence of homelessness in West Berkshire and to review the impact of the Council’s activity over the winter period.

Minutes:

The Commission considered a report (Agenda Item 9) which reviewed both the prevalence of homelessness in West Berkshire and the impact of the Council’s activity in this area over the 2018/19 winter.

This report was provided in follow up to the discussion held at the Commission meeting in October 2018 when plans were outlined for the forthcoming winter.

This report contained an update on progress with adhering to the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) 2017 and how the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) funding provided by Government had been utilised.

The Homelessness Strategy Group (HSG) had developed a short term winter plan for 2018/19 as well as working on other longer term projects. This plan had been reviewed by the HSG and this included consideration of the outcomes for homeless people and rough sleepers within West Berkshire and the implications for future years.

The winter plan consisted of Two Saints providing an extended winter provision service for rough sleepers which extended beyond the Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) to operate from 1 November 2018 to 31 March 2019. The extended provision was for people with a local connection and was paid for by the Council.

Councillor Hilary Cole gave thanks for the efforts of all involved in the work of the previous winter. Lessons learnt had been identified and a list of recommendations were included in the report, however a number of successful outcomes had been achieved. SWEP requirements had been met and the number of rough sleepers had reduced from 19 to 8.

Councillor Cole particularly commended the involvement of Two Saints in providing the extra accommodation and gave thanks to the West Berkshire Homeless charity for their assistance and for remaining open until May 2019 which was an extension.

Future options would continue to be explored. The Council had purchased units of accommodation to provide self-contained temporary accommodation within the District rather than housing families elsewhere. It was important to ensure that housing continued to be provide in the district and that children did not have to change schools.

Gary Lugg clarified that the winter plan was a partnership document owned by the HSG. The HSG would lead on the implementation of the longer term projects. He added that the partners worked well together.

The Winter Plan for 2019/20 was being developed. It was the expectation that the number of entrenched rough sleepers would have reduced significantly meaning the SWEP requirement could reduce. There was confidence that the requirement could be accommodated at Two Saints. Rough sleepers could also be housed via the Housing First initiative.

It had been possible to help entrenched rough sleepers move to accommodation, some of whom had rough sleeping for up to 15 years.

Councillor Cole explained that an encampment of rough sleepers had been present on an area of Council owned land behind the football ground for a few years and it had been agreed that court action would be taken to dismantle the encampment. All occupants had been directed to alternative housing options. She gave thanks to Paul Hendry for his sensitive handling of this situation and the partners involved – Two Saints and West Berkshire Homeless.

Councillor Martha Vickers advised that she attended the last HSG on behalf of Newbury Town Council and she felt it was an encouraging meeting. There was a positive working environment and many issues were being worked on and resolved.

Councillor Vickers was pleased to note the posts that had been appointed to as part of the RSI. She was hopeful that this funding would be maintained to enable the good work to continue.

It was noted that Government funding was currently committed for 2019/20. Gary Lugg explained that a contingency budget beyond this date was being looked at and liaison with Government was ongoing with regards to continued funding, particularly when there were challenging targets to meet.

Gary Lugg agreed with Councillor Vickers point that rough sleepers attended Loose Ends for meals, but this was also an opportunity for people to socially interact and access services. The HSG were looking at the provision of a wellbeing centre in addition to this and this was in the early stages of discussion.

Councillor Steve Masters added his thanks for the work done to date. He asked for further detail on the Housing First initiative. Gary Lugg explained that this scheme was aimed at helping entrenched rough sleepers, via intensive support, into accommodation and sustaining that. The provision of furniture/carpeting was part of the initiative.

Emma Congerton explained that it was the aim to provide 10 Housing First places in this first year of the scheme. She added that this was funded by the RSI. Information on further funding was anticipated by December 2019 and future plans could be firmed up at that point. The Council would however be considering a potential exit plan should further funding not be available.

In response to a question from Councillor Masters, Emma Congerton explained that the accommodation provided via Housing First was for a lengthy fixed term arrangement of a year’s probation followed by five years with an option for a further extension. Housing First accommodation needed to be in a central location with access to transport and services.

Councillor Jeff Brooks noted and agreed with the policy of giving priority to people with a local connection, but he queried what help was offered for people presenting as homeless but with no local connection. Gary Lugg explained that help was still offered with accommodation, for at least one night, before they were helped to travel back to their own localities.

Councillor Alan Law felt that this was an encouraging report that recognised progress made to date. Councillor Cole agreed, but was clear that this was work in progress with more work still to be done.

Resolved that the report, and the outcomes of the HRA 2017 and RSI funding initiatives together with the approach to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, be noted.

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