Interviews with Councillor John a Wilson, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, John Littlemore, Head of Housing and Community Services and Neil Cole, Housing Services Manager.

John Littlemore, Head of Housing and Community services presented the draft strategy.

Mr Littlemore explained the draft strategy was a result of the Homelessness Review presented to the Committee in October/November of 2013.

Mr Littlemore confirmed this was the first draft of the strategy and included the progress made with rough sleepers.  The document was work in progress and he welcomed help and comments from the Committee in shaping the final document.

During some discussion the following points were raised:

·  The increased number of homeless is worrying;

·  The long delay in identifying a need and the actual provision could mean the needs change before provision is delivered;

·  Parents not willing to accommodate and what action can be taken to encourage them to allow their children to live with them.  It was discussed this was partly due to the changes brought in with the Welfare Reforms.  Help is being offered in the form of mediation and managed moves;

·  Termination of shorthold tenancies – there has been a trend over the past 12-18 months with private landlords moving away from tenants claiming benefits. Because of the Welfare Reforms these tenants were considered to be a high risk;

·  Point 1.7.3 of the covering report regarding the Equality Impact Needs Assessment.  Mr Littlemore confirmed this would be completed once the final draft of the strategy was agreed to allow for any identified adjustments to be made before the strategy is finalised.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Committee made the following comment to the Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services on the Homelessness Strategy 2014-19:

a.  That the Action Plan for the Homelessness Strategy be developed once the strategy is finalised.