Agenda item - Rough Sleeping Strategy Progress Update

Extract from the proceedings of the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee meeting held on the 9^th October, 2017; together with a report of the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copies attached).

39.1      The Mayor noted that there was a Notice of Motion on the same subject and stated that she was therefore inclined to take Item 42(g), which related to affordable housing and rough sleeping together with the report from the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee; in one debate.  The Mayor then invited Councillor Daniel to introduce the report.

39.2      Councillor Daniel introduced the report which provided an update on the implementation of the Council’s Rough Sleeping Strategy and noted that it had been discussed fully at the Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee.  She also noted that the number of rough sleepers was predicted to increase and that more support was required.

39.3      The Mayor then invited Councillor Moonan to move the Notice of Motion as listed on the agenda at item 42(g).

39.4      Councillor Moonan moved the joint Notice of Motion on behalf of the Labour & Co-operative and Green Groups; and stated that the sharpest end of homelessness was rough sleeping.  She stated that currently there were around 30 new cases every week despite the best efforts of all those who supported rough sleepers.  She noted that many of those sleeping rough had a number of complex needs and all support agencies needed to work together to address this situation.  There was a need to raise the matter nationally and to look at the impact of the loss of properties through the right to buy scheme and pressures on local housing costs, as well as finding ways to provide more homes.

39.5      Councillor Gibson formally seconded the motion.

39.6      Councillor A. Norman moved an amendment to the Notice of Motion on behalf of the Conservative Group; and stated that she believed there was a need for a cross-party approach to this matter and to work with other organisations.  She also noted that some people became homeless because of circumstances outside of their control, whilst others made it a life choice.

39.7      Councillor Mears formally seconded the amendment and stated that there was need to work together to address the matter as measures used in the past had not worked.  There were so many initiatives without any real outcomes and more needed to be done for local families and with pressures on Adult Social Care there was a need to be able to monitor the impact on budgets but no real mechanism to do so.

39.8      Councillor Meadows stated that a number of rough sleepers had been supported and able to get off the streets and more work was required to resolve the issue; such as the joint venture with a Housing Association.  Whilst additional funding had been received from the government, there was a need to do more and to look at options such as suspending right to buy in areas to reduce the expansion of HMOs.  She also noted that the city had one of the largest private rented sectors in the country but rent levels were too high and needed to be controlled in order to help those most vulnerable.

39.9      Councillor Janio stated that rent controls would not help and a price ceiling would be likely to reduce supply and see a decline in improvements to properties.  He suggested that there was a need to ease planning restrictions so that more houses could be built.

39.10   Councillor Bell stated that he supported all actions taken to help rough sleepers and that there was a need to work together if the problem was going to be addressed successfully.

39.11   Councillor Gibson stated that over 1,300 homes had been lost through right to buy and social housing was more expensive.  He noted that rent controls worked elsewhere such as in Germany and therefore consideration should be given to similar schemes; as well as looking to build homes that people could afford.

39.12   Councillor Hyde stated that the right to buy scheme did work and enabled people to get onto the property ladder and to then move on and release properties. 

39.13   Councillor Moonan noted the comments and stated that actions were being taken which were helping but more could be done such as building houses, looking at rent controls and restricting right to buy in certain areas.  She also confirmed that she could not accept the Conservative Group’s amendment.

39.14   The Mayor stated that the report had been referred for information and moved that it be noted.

39.15   RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

39.16   The Mayor then put the Conservative amendment to the vote which was lost by 19 votes to 32.

39.17   The Mayor then put the following substantive motion as listed in the agenda to the vote:

“This Council resolves to request the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for DCLG Sajid Javid MP, calling for the introduction of legislation and regulations to increase affordable housing supply and to enhance security for tenants, and thereby reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in Brighton and Hove. These policy changes should include:

·           Raising the HRA borrowing cap so the council can build more social housing

·           Providing additional grants so social housing providers can build at lower rents and directly provide more accommodation for rough sleepers

·           Allowing councils to suspend the right to buy where an affordable housing shortage exists

·           Introducing more secure longer tenancies in the private rented sector

·           Introducing powers for local councils to institute rent controls to suit local market needs

·           Withdrawing the threat in the Housing and Planning Act to councils to sell much needed high value council homes and give the money towards HA discounts.

39.18    The Mayor confirmed that the motion had carried by 32 votes to 20 as detailed below:

39.19      The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried.

39.20      The Mayor then adjourned the meeting at 7.00pm for a refreshment break.

39.21      The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 7.35pm.