Issue - meetings

The Housing Strategy Manager introduced the report which set out how it was proposed that the homelessness resources would be funded.  In addition to the Homelessness Grant there were additional resources which had been made available to the Council and the report set out the background to these additional grants together with details of how it was proposed that these would be used.  As BDHT was the Council’s recognised provider for this service the funds would be transferred to them in order for them to deal with matters on the Council’s behalf.

Councillor Taylor, as Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, requested that Cabinet support the recommendations and gave Members the opportunity to comment on the reports content.  Members asked for details in respect of the current number of homeless people in the District and an estimate of any increase in future years.  Currently the Council had 70 Homelessness Acceptances per annum and between 700 – 800 housing options interviews each year. The position had remained relatively stable; however the Homelessness Reduction Act was likely to lead to more presentations. It was noted that in Wales, where the new approach had been in place for some time, they had seen an initial rise of 60% in households seeking assistance.

RESOLVED:

a)    that it be noted that the 2018/19 grant funding implications be included as part of the medium term financial plan report to Council in February 2018 and, subject to Council approval of the budget b) and c) below be resolved;

b)    that the initiatives in 3.12, 3.16 and 3.17 as detailed in the report be approved to receive allocation of funding in 2018/19; and

c)    that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Community Services following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing to use any unallocated Grant during the year or make further adjustments as necessary to ensure full utilisation of the Grants for 2018/19 in support of existing or new schemes be approved.