Issue - items at meetings - Draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

Report of Interim Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Housing Committee:

2.1      Noted the consultation on the Homeless & Rough Sleeper Strategy undertaken to date, our response, and how this has shaped the development of the new draft strategy.

2.2      Approves the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for further consultation.

48.1    The Committee considered the report presented by Justine Harris and Emily Ashmore.

48.2    The report summarises the development to date of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025. The draft strategy identifies the key homelessness and rough sleeping issues in Brighton and Hove and action which will be taken to address these.

48.3    Councillor Nichole Brennan commended the report and noted the positive elements of the report including references to No Second Night Out, Homeless Bill of Rights and Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). The help from partners was recognised.

48.4    Councillor Amy Heley was informed that the data gathering figures for the report will be available in the future. 

48.5    Councillor Mary Mears felt the executive summary and the consultation were good.

48.6    Councillor David Gibson felt it was good to have so much information and to reflect on what has and has not been achieved with regard to reducing homelessness. Councillor Gibson was informed that the Housing Work Plan will show the progress of the strategy and that Housing Committee has oversight of all elements of the strategy.

48.7    Councillor Peter Atkinson considered that reconnecting the homeless who arrive in the city from other areas with place of origin a priority. It was noted that the action plan forms part of the strategy, giving a sense of what is going on.

48.8    Councillor Mary Mears was informed that the figures for the National Government contribution are kept in house.

48.9    Councillor Siriol Hugh-Jones was informed that Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) are informed when prisoners are released and are offered support by the authority.

48.10  Resolved:

The Housing Committee:

2.1      Noted the consultation on the Homeless & Rough Sleeper Strategy undertaken to date, our response, and how this has shaped the development of the new draft strategy.

2.2      Approves the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for further consultation.