Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities, which presented Halton’s Homelessness Strategy 2013-2018. The Board was advised that in accordance with the Homelessness Act 2002, the local authority had conducted a full Strategic Review of Homelessness within the area and formulated a Homelessness Strategy for the next five-year period.

            The Homelessness Strategy 2013-2018 was based upon the findings and recommendations of two other documents, one being a comprehensive review of the current homelessness services which was conducted over a five month period during 2012/2013. The other being the previous Homelessness Strategy 2009-2013, which involved active engagement with service users, service providers and Members.  It was reported that the Strategic Review of Homelessness had involved active engagement with service users, service providers, all partner agencies and Elected Members. The draft findings had also been discussed and agreed with all key stakeholders prior to the report being finalised.

            The Board noted that Halton was experiencing a gradual increase in homelessness presentations and statutory homelessness acceptances. The Board also noted that there were a number of client groups that did not meet the statutory homelessness criteria but had a pressing housing need. However, it was reported that concerted efforts were being made by the Housing Solutions Team to assist these client groups, offering temporary accommodation for a limited period and facilitating a more efficient and accessible move on process.

            Furthermore, it was reported that the Localism Act 2011 had introduced many changes to homelessness and allocations legislation. The Act had brought into force provisions that allowed local authorities to end the main housing duty to a homeless applicant by means of a private rented sector offer, i.e. a fixed term assured short held tenancy for a minimum of 12 months. The Authority should consider the new allocated powers, which would impact upon future homelessness and service delivery.

            The Act had also determined that the Council would be able to reduce the length of stay for households in temporary accommodation and the associated costs. Additionally, it would help the Council to avoid future use of B & B accommodation.

            Members also noted that the Action Plan had identified a task to develop a Private Rented Sector Offer (PRSO) policy to ensure the Authority was fully compliant with its statutory housing duty. It was recommended that future consideration be given to develop a PRSO and implement the option to adopt the power to end the homelessness duty within the private rented sector.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.