Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The report introduced Members to a new sub-regional initiative, led by Cambridge City Council, aimed at preventing rough sleeping.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

 

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

 

(i)   Approve the proposals for the establishment of a sub-regional single homelessness service and the City Council’s lead role in its development.

(ii)  Approve the new sub-regional reconnections policy (as set out in appendix 1 of the officers report), which underpins the approach to single homelessness in the sub-region.

(iii)                    Approve the broadening of the use of the Access Scheme holding account for the local lettings agency scheme as set out under financial implications at 4(a) of the officer’s report.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Housing Advice Service Manager.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

 

(i)             Welcomed any scheme that helped prevent rough sleeping in the City.

(ii)            Raised concern about moving people outside of the district and away from their support mechanisms.

(iii)          Highlighted the importance of the Reconnection Procedure.  

 

In response to Members’ questions the Housing Advice Service Manager confirmed the following:

 

(i)             Whilst not ideal, depending on the availability of properties it was possible that people from Cambridge would be found accommodation in another district.

(ii)            It was hoped that the scheme would encourage landlords in Cambridge to lower their rents in order to guarantee a tenant.

(iii)          Officers had attended meetings of the Landlords Association to explain the service and generate interest. 3 landlords had so far shown an interest.

(iv)         An assessment process would determine appropriateness for the scheme and choice and availability of accommodation would then be looked into.

(v)           Emergency accommodation would be available while officers were sourcing available places elsewhere.

(vi)         The aim was to target those with low support needs and avoid them having to spend long periods in the hostel system.

(vii)        A rapid response service would be undertaking skills assessments and be linked in with employment agencies.

 

The Committee resolved (by 4 votes to 0) to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.