DECISION

1.    Note the progress made to improve the Council’s homelessness services.

Action by

CORPORATE DIRECTOR RESOURCES (J. LORRAINE)

Acting Deputy Director of Strategy, Improvement & Transformation (A. Hakim Rahman)

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding introduced the report that outlined a comprehensive strategy to address current challenges and ensure the Council’s Housing Options Service could effectively deliver an enhanced service that meets the current and future needs of the residents of Tower Hamlets. Councillor Ahmed also explained how a new focus on induction and training would ensure a service more sensitive to residents needs, many of whom were vulnerable or had faced traumatic circumstances before approaching the Council.

Karen Swift, Director of Housing provided further detail on the consultation and engagement work underlying the programme. Karen explained engagement had been very positive and had attracted a large number of contributions.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He stressed that his administration had inherited a legacy of poor customer service and an under resourced housing options service. He expressed hope that the new measures would create a better experience for residents and in particular welcomed the 15 new frontline officers, a new 24/7 service including weekend availability. He asked that quarterly updates be provided on the implementation of the programme. 

The Cabinet welcomed the report and asked the lead Member to ensure that local people had opportunity to fully participate in recruitment processes for the new posts and it was felt local people would have a greater appreciation of the borough, its people and their particular experiences.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1. Notes the progress made to improve the Council’s homelessness services.