Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities which presented the Members with Scrutiny Review of Homelessness Services 2011-2012.

The Board was advised that the scrutiny group had specifically requested that the report be considered by the Executive Board, without first having been reviewed by the Health PPB, in order to accompany another related report outlining plans for the reconfiguration of supported housing provision for the single homeless.

The Scrutiny Working Group had recommended the following:-

·       Deliver on the actions arising from the visits to temporary accommodation schemes;

·       Secure efficiency savings through new contracts with Halton YMCA for the YMCA hostel and Nightstop and de-commissioning of Y’s Up advice and guidance;

·       Secure efficiency savings through new contract with Plus Dane for floating support services;

·       Achieve efficiencies through the reconfiguration of remaining hostel provision for single people in order to improve the distribution of services across the Borough, prioritise access to services for individuals to whom the Council has a statutory duty, increase focus on homelessness prevention to assist individuals to resolve housing issues;

·       Consider moving to a crisis intervention model for young homeless people in order to maximise the potential for young people to return home to their family; and

·         Consider benefits of alternative models of provision for those escaping domestic violence.

The Chairman reported that Members of the Board wished to re-visit the domestic violence part of the review and it was agreed that this be deferred for further consideration and consultation.  It was also agreed that, consideration would be given to the dispersal of the staff at the refuge and when this part of the review had been completed, an action plan would be formulated and be presented to a future meeting of the Board.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·       It was noted that the physical attributes of the refuge building was in need of refurbishment;

·       The Board noted the excellent work that had been undertaken by Officers and Members of the Working Group on the Homelessness Review;

·       It was suggested that the recommendations from the review could be more robust and an action plan formulated that would also allow the Board to monitor the actions.  In response, it was reported that part of the recommendations required approval by the Executive Board in the first instance so that the review could proceed.  Other recommendations in the review needed further consideration and options established as it was unclear is some areas what could be taken forward;

·       Clarity was sought on when the criteria would be known for direct landlord payments?  In response, it was reported that this information would be circulated to Members of the Board;

·       It was noted that disperse housing accommodation would not suit victims of violence and it was requested that the working group report back to the Board before any decisions were taken on this matter.  In response, it was reported that the Council were looking at piloting dispersed accommodation, working with the current provider.  It was also reported that before a pilot could be established, consideration would have to be given to whether it was a feasible option and this would result in Officers undertaking a significant amount of preparation work over a period of time.  It would also not be a short term pilot.  In respect of the issues relating to the physical aspects of the refuge, discussions were also taking place with the current provider and work being undertaken to identify the options; and

·       It was reported that the majority of the time the Authority were able to meet the needs of most people who suffered domestic violence.  However, there were gaps in the provision i.e. families with boys 14 years or over as the refuge would not be able to accommodate them.

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the contents of the report attached at Appendix 1 and comments raised be noted; and

(2)        the domestic violence part of the review be deferred for further consideration.