Agenda item

To consider the recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 17^th June 2026.

Shared Homelessness Strategy 2026 – 2031

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing presented the Shared Homelessness Strategy 2026 – 2031.

Council was informed that the strategy had been developed collaboratively by all the District Councils in Worcestershire, with the exception of Worcester City Council.  Local people who had experienced homelessness had been consulted during the development of the strategy.

The aims of the strategy were to ensure that homelessness was rare, brief and non-recurring.  Members were asked to note that homelessness was linked to issues with health and wellbeing as well as wider economic factors.

Preventing homelessness was an overriding objective of the Council.  The prevention of homelessness required early intervention and strategies to keep people living in their own homes.

An action plan had been developed for the strategy.  This action plan detailed clear priorities and targets which would be monitored over time.

Following the presentation of the report, Members discussed the various potential causes of homelessness.  The suggestion was made that medical conditions associated with mental ill health could contribute to homelessness and questions were raised about whether this could be reflected in the strategy.  Members were thanked for this suggestion and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing commented that she would raise this suggestion with relevant Council officers.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor S. Baxter and seconded by Councillor K. Taylor.

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

(Prior to consideration of this item, Councillors S. Ammar and C. Hotham declared other disclosable interests in respect of the Shared Homelessness Strategy 2026 – 2031 in their capacity as private sector landlords.  They remained present during consideration of the item and voted thereon.)

Enforcement and Civil Penalty Policy

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Housing presented the Enforcement and Civil Penalty Policy report for Council’s consideration.

Members were informed that this item followed a report that had been considered at the Annual Council meeting in respect of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.  The report proposed that Members agree changes to the Scheme of Delegations in respect of enforcement of civil penalty notices for private rented sector functions.  The content of the policy was based on national best practice and proposed proportionate steps underpinned by the legislative position.

The policy addressed a range of issues relating to landlord and tenancy compliance.  Areas such as risk and harm were also taken into account.

The proposed delegations to officers would enable them to act on the Council’s new legislative powers and duties.  This would also incorporate delegations that had previously been agreed in respect of electrical safety.  The delegations would ensure that enforcement activities were lawful and proportionate.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor S. Baxter and seconded by Councillor K. Taylor.

RESOLVED that

1)          Delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director Community and Housing Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to update the Policy in line with any legislative or government guidance updates; and

2)          The Scheme of Delegations be updated to reflect the adoption of the Policy and the new Enforcement powers under the Renters Rights Act 2025 in accordance with the wording set out in Appendix 1 (of the minutes).