HOUSING COMMITTEE

Agenda Item 143(b)

 

Brighton & Hove City Council

 

Subject:                                   Questions

Date of Meeting:                   17 March 2021

Report of:                               Executive Lead Officer for Strategy, Governance & Law

Contact Officer: Name:      Shaun Hughes                             Tel: 01273 293059

                                                  E-mail: shaun.hughes@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Wards Affected:                    All           

 

FOR GENERAL RELEASE

 

1.               SUMMARY AND POLICY CONTEXT:

 

1.1            To receive any questions submitted to Democratic Services.

 

2.               RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

2.2            That the Committee responds to the questions.

 

3.               Questions:

3.1          Barry Hughes

I was sorry to learn that Emily Ashmore and Jenny Knight will no longer be attending CAGH (Community Action Group against Homelessness). On behalf of the Coalition, I would like to thank these officers for their contributions to the work of the Group and wish them well for the future. The officers have been particularly successful in securing finance from central government for projects supporting the homeless and rough sleepers in the City.

Can we be assured that Housing Needs, who take over the role, will have the skill sets to match this track record?

 

3.2          David Thomas

 

In a written answer explaining why SWEP opening was to be kept secret from the public, a senior officer said: “We have … found the wider publicity has increased the inflow of rough sleepers into the city from elsewhere.”

Do councillors agree that this explanation for restricting services to homeless people should never be allowed?

 

·         the only reputable study says it is not so;

·         even if it were true that people come to this city because homeless services are better here, that ship sailed long ago;

·         the explanation would prevent every improvement in homeless services at all times.

 

 

3.3              Alan Cooke

 

EDB granted approval for a fenced path in March 2020 to improve access for Tilgate Close residents.

 

Following a September road traffic incident, Highways asked for the fencing to be strengthened; pushing the cost over the £10K EDB limit.

 

EDB transferred the request to Environmental Improvements but on March 8th they deferred a decision pending a review of access to all 354 properties on the Estate, of which only 23 have street-level access. This will take ages. Meanwhile, residents of Craven Road are fearful of another vehicle coming through their bedroom windows.

 

Please ensure that EI reverses their decision rapidly.