Issue - items at meetings - Brighton & Hove Rough Sleeping Strategy 2016

Joint Report of Executive Director of Health, Wellbeing and Adults and Acting Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture (copy  attached)

10.1    The Committee considered a further joint report of the Executive Director, Health and Wellbeing and Adults and Acting Executive Director of Environment, Economy and Culture setting out the Rough Sleeping Strategy 2016 for approval. It was noted that this report had previously been considered by the Housing and New Homes Committee and that an extract from the minutes of that Committee had been circulated for information.

10.2    The Rough Sleeping Strategy Manager, Andy Staniford reiterated his comments made when the Committee had considered an earlier update report, that the issue of rough sleeping had become more acute on the city’s streets recently with a visibly increased presence on the streets. This problem not only impacted on an individual’s life chances, but also the city’s reputation and costs to public services and businesses. The city’s current approach to rough sleeping had been re-assessed in order to ensure that the city’s commissioners, service providers and those supporting people sleeping rough were working in partnership to a clear strategic plan. It was intended that this plan would reduce rough sleeping in the city and improve outcomes for people sleeping rough and for those at risk of rough sleeping.

10.3    Councillor Daniel, the Chair wished to place on record her thanks to Councillor Moonan and others for their commitment in bringing this piece of work to fruition and for the level of “buy in” from others partners which had been achieved. Cross agency buy in was a critical feature in ensuring Governance and ownership in order to achieve positive outcomes. Superintendent Collis concurred in that view stating that the Police fully supported this strategy.

10.4    The Head of Community Safety, Peter Castleton explained that he was leading on a group which would be providing targeted support at “hot spots” across the city during the summer months, seeking to engage with the wider street community. A sensitive and pro-active approach was used with enforcement action being used only as a last resort.

10.4    Councillor Moonan stated that all germane findings had been fully discussed and a programme of action formulated, it was important that in carrying the strategy forward that the process was monitored and it was ensured that there was clear accountability for the aims and goals which had been set.

10.5    Councillors Bell and Gibson commended the work which had taken place in formulating the policy and Councillor Penn welcomed the recognition of the need to address mental health issues if that was appropriate.

10.6    A vote was taken and members voted unanimously in support of the recommendations set out in the report.

10.7    RESOLVED – That (1) The Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee approves the Rough Sleeping Strategy 2016 (set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and

            (2) Authorises the Executive Director, Health Wellbeing and Adults and the Acting Executive Director, Economy, Environment and Culture  to carry out any actions necessary to implement the strategy and respond appropriately to related Fairness Commission recommendations set out in section 5.12 of the report.