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.

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report which provided and update on the progress that has been made in the delivery of the council’s Homelessness Transformation Programme and sought approval for a revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement policy which reflected the legislation brought into place following the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017). Councillor Hassell outlined some of the key benefits the revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement policy would deliver both in terms of the customer experience and the council’s processes and resource allocation.

The Mayor welcomed the report, which he indicated represented a reasonable and thoughtful approach to a challenging policy area. He moved the recommendations as set out and they were agreed without dissent. It was:

RESOLVED:

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.