Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented the council's review of homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough following the Homelessness Act 2002.

Details of the strategy to combat homelessness, the boroughs homelessness levels, prevention measures and support and allocated resources were outlined. The review findings, support needs and legislation to give assistance to those at risk were noted, as were details of the operational challenges, housing stock shortages and lack of affordable properties in the borough.

Sub-committee members were reminded of the Renters Reform Bill 2023, which terminates the section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction, and concerns made as proposed court reforms  are yet to be addressed by the government. Approval was sought from Mayor Rahman at MAB on 06 December on recommended priorities, and a consultation with residents and stakeholders is scheduled for   February 2024. The feedback obtained will develop the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for Tower Hamlets.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Karen Swift and Riad Akbur, Service Manager, Homelessness;

·       Clarified that the priorities include preventing homelessness through early detection and reducing the need for temporary accommodation with quality housing options. Other priorities include improving the customer journey and supporting staff’s wellbeing.

·       Conceded that housing appointments can take time which can be disheartening to those facing eviction. Residents are assured that in most cases they may not have to vacate on the date specified by the landlord and are always notified of their tenant rights, All efforts are made to keep them in the property and they are encouraged to contact the housing team if they require further reassurance.

·       Confirmed that there are two modular home sites for temporary accommodation in the borough, Landon Walk and Candy Street. Due to minor faults with some of the units whilst in transit, repairs are currently being rectified. Once completed the units will be ready for residents.

·       Clarified that a number of residents recently moved into a property in Lewisham which will house approximately 120 families.

·       Explained that a review of the placement policy, which outlines how temporary and private rented accommodation is allocated, is being conducted and will emphasise geographical areas rather than distance. All efforts are made to keep residents within the borough and around 50% do. The remainder are placed in neighbouring areas where possible.

·       Confirmed that caseworkers are allocated to residents in temporary accommodation to advise them with rent, repair or GP registration assistance. Consideration will be given to ensure caseworkers are more proactive with residents in terms of home visits. 

·       Clarified that under the ‘Accelerated Possession Procedure’, whereby a landlord requests a possession order without a hearing, housing officers will assist in completing tenants defence forms and submit applications to rent tribunals on their behalf. In some cases, they will undertake criminal investigations on landlords for rent  increases above market levels.

·       Noted that landlord harassment is a criminal offence and  if  locks are altered without notice and the tenancy not reinstated, landlords are informed that an investigation will be conducted. Details on the number of investigations conducted on landlord harassment and breached tenancies will be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

·       Explained that all applications are dealt with on an individual basis and priority is placed on educational, medical or support needs. Different approaches are taken dependant on specific circumstances. Some residents require emergency accommodation the same day and will receive a full assessment, whilst others may have only been given a notice of eviction or friends and family have requested they leave. A discussion with landlords or family and friends can be conducted with officers for possible resolutions.

·       Clarified that service improvements are ongoing and include staff training, swifter telephone and email response times, more robust technology and a better customer journey. A service improvement group takes place every Wednesday to review communication techniques.

Sub-committee members were concerned that key data was not available for scrutiny and suggested a service improvement report be brought back for review, including an action log with response time outcomes and a delivery plan.

Members also requested data on family and friends no longer willing to accommodate be more clearly specified, as these are often  multi-generational families in one household.

RESOLVED that;

1.    Details on the number of investigations conducted on landlord harassment and breached tenancies to be provided for circulation to members.

2.    Details on the Housing Emergency Taskforce to be brought back to the sub-committee for review.

3.    The presentation be noted.