Cabinet are asked to note the scope and progress made by the Homelessness Transformation Programme to date.

In addition, approval is sought from Cabinet to update the council’s Accommodation Placement policy to take into account the provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) and how the council as a local housing authority will procure and allocate accommodation in the private rented sector to prevent and relieve homelessness.

This report also cites proposals currently under consideration by officers, which intend to align the council’s Common Housing Register Allocations Scheme with upstream homelessness prevention. The proposals will be developed further and brought forward by officers to members in due course.

DECISION

1.    To note the scope and progress made by the Homelessness Transformation Programme to date.

2.    To approve the council’s revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement policy to take into account the provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) and how the council, as a local housing authority, will allocate accommodation in the private rented sector to prevent and relieve homelessness.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Director of Housing (K. Swift)

Reasons for Decision

The Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy clearly sets out the council’s approach as to how officers will use available housing stock to discharge the council’s homelessness responsibilities. The policy will ensure that the council follows current legislation and provides a reference point for housing options staff to make their decisions.

Alternative Options

Do nothing - if the council fails to revise its Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy to guide officers, residents and stakeholders, the council leaves itself open to legal challenge. It could also risk a lack of clarity for officers in applying best practice within their decision making.