Question to Housing Committee 19 January 2022

From: Councillor Pissaridou

As I understand it when a resident is made homeless, the Council has a housing responsible for them. The current practice seems to be that the homeless residents (and their children) are housed firstly in “emergency” accommodation and then into “temporary” accommodation.

I understand that the majority of both emergency and temporary accommodation are privately owned and leased to the Council. Is this correct? The council then “sub-lets” the accommodation to the resident/tenant. Can you tell me what the contractual arrangements are between the Council and their landlords and what the contractual arrangements are between the Council and the council resident?

I have also been informed that some of these properties do not meet the appropriate standards we would expect in our own council owned properties.

Some of my residents have experienced many issues with the condition of the “emergency” accommodation provided and have then had difficulties getting these problems addressed and are worried and confused as to whom they then need to ask that the necessary repairs are carried out.

Some residents have also expressed concerns that they will be moved out of the City if they complain about their housing conditions.

Please can the council confirm whose responsibility it is to ensure that these tenants do have decent living conditions and a safe home environment for themselves and their families to live.  

Councillor Anne Pissaridou