Agenda item

The Housing Development and Strategy Manager presented a report on the Shared Homelessness Strategy 2026-2031.

The Committee was reminded that the draft Shared Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026–2031 had been approved for public consultation by the Cabinet on 25th March 2026. The consultation had subsequently been completed, and responses had been incorporated into the action plan where appropriate.

It was reported that the strategy included Local Outcomes Framework measures provided by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). MHCLG had reviewed the strategy and confirmed that it was compliant, although a number of recommended actions had been suggested which had been incorporated into the action plan.

The framework utilised a range of national outcome indicators to assess performance, including:

·       The rate of households with children in temporary accommodation (per 1,000 households)

·       The number of families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation for over six weeks

·       The percentage of duties owed where homelessness was prevented or relieved

·       The number of people sleeping rough on a single night

·       The number of people sleeping rough over the month who were long-term rough sleepers

The Committee was informed that delivery of the strategy would be overseen by the Housing Strategy Team and would sit under the existing Worcestershire Housing Board Plan.

In respect of financial implications, it was confirmed that the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant would provide funding to support the development of services aligned with the strategy. A report detailing spending priorities for the subsequent three years had already been presented to Members.

It was highlighted that the Council had a statutory duty under the Homelessness Act 2002 to produce a homelessness strategy, alongside compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Renters Rights Act 2025.

With regard to Local Government Reorganisation, Members were reassured that the strategy had been developed to be adaptable for incorporation into either one or two unitary authorities.

An Equality Impact Assessment had been completed, which demonstrated a positive outcome. It was noted that officers would continue to monitor impacts.

The risks associated with the Cabinet not approving the strategy were outlined. It was reported that this would result in the Council not being legally compliant. Furthermore, it was considered likely that households threatened with homelessness, or those in housing need, would have limited options for support to sustain or secure suitable accommodation. This could lead to:

·       Increased B&B costs

·       Increased rough sleeping in the District

·       Impacts on physical and mental health, educational achievement, ability to work and similar through increased homelessness

Following the presentation, Members discussed the report in detail and made the following comments:

·       The Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing expressed thanks to the Housing Development and Strategy Manager for the report.

·       It was noted that the action plan was extensive and Members queried whether this would pose a delivery challenge. Officers advised that a meeting was scheduled in the coming weeks to review the action plan and ensure that Bromsgrove District Council could deliver the relevant elements. Members were reassured that collaborative work with partner authorities was ongoing.

·       Members queried the potential impact of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 on the strategy and whether a future review would be required. Officers advised that the Act had already begun to influence the housing sector prior to its enactment. Increased regulatory requirements had led to some landlords exiting the sector or selling properties, although it was anticipated that impacts would stabilise over time, particularly following the abolition of Section 21 evictions. It was hoped that landlords would become more willing to work with local authorities to manage tenancies, contributing to greater sector stability.

·       The requirement for landlords to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and the associated costs of improving energy efficiency were discussed. Officers advised that minimum energy efficiency standards were measured through EPCs. It was noted that ratings reflected typical energy costs and could be improved through measures such as the installation of solar panels.

RECOMMENDED that the Shared Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 be approved.