Agenda item - Next steps - Rough Sleeping and Accommodation during Covid 19 Pandemic and Recovery

Extracts from the proceedings of the Policy & Resources Committee meeting held on the 18 March and the Housing Committee meeting held on the 17 March 2021 (to follow), together with a report of the Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities.

127.1      Councillor Gibson introduced the report and noted that it was hoped the Council would become the first authority to adopt a Homeless Bill Rights. He hoped that it would be fully supported by Members and that other authorities would follow the Council’s lead.

127.2      Councillor Fishleigh moved an amendment to the recommendations which was formally seconded by Councillor Janio.

127.3      Councillors Hugh-Jones, Williams, Brennan, Phillips and Evans spoke in favour of the report and the commitment in the Rough Sleepers Strategy to develop a Homeless Bill of Rights.

127.4      Councillor Mears and Barnett expressed concerns over the proposals and suggested that further consideration was needed before a final decision was taken.

127.5      Councillor Moonan sated that she had some reservations in relation to how begging in the city could be tackled and noted that more tents were appearing in the city.

127.6      Councillor Gibson noted the comments and stated that points had been well-made, however he could not support the amendment and hoped that the recommendations would be approved.

127.7      Councillor Fishleigh requested that a recorded vote be held, and this was seconded formally by Councillor Childs.

127.8      The Mayor noted that a sufficient number of Members had indicated their support for the motion and therefore asked for a recorded vote t be taken.

127.9      The Head of Democratic Services noted that an amendment had been moved and put it to the vote:

127.10   The Mayor confirmed that the amendment had been lost by 2 votes to 48.

127.11   The Head of Democratic Services then put the recommendations as listed in the report to the vote:

127.12   The Mayor confirmed that the recommendations had been carried by 31 votes to 13 with 7 abstentions.

127.13   RESOLVED:

(1)      That the Homeless Bill of Rights be adopted (as referred to in the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-25) as an aspirational document and as the standard against which the Council and its partners judge its policies and practices and outcomes;

(2)      That a copy of the resolution is signed by the Leader and sent to FEANTSA to mark its commitment to the international movement of solidarity with homeless people;

(3)      That it be agreed to commit to a process of continuous commitment, improvement and engagement to uphold rights of homeless people.