To receive
a presentation from the Housing Options Service Manager, Suzannah Hellicar on
the work of the Housing Options Team and the impacts of the pandemic.
Minutes:
The
Committee welcomed the Housing Options Service Manager, Suzannah Hellicar, to give an update on the work of the Housing
Options Team and in particular the impacts of COVID-19.
Ms Hellicar, advised that as Service Manager she had
responsibility for housing, homelessness, housing options and private sector
housing. The move to remote working had meant that home visits and face to face
interviews had been restricted but the Team had been able to provide a full
service to its customers during the previous twelve months. A challenge for the
Team had been keeping in contact with some of their homeless clients and mobile
phone had been provided to a number of these individuals which had assisted
with this issue. A big positive to come from the pandemic had been the
partnership working, organisations and charities had
come together to provide for those in need at this difficult time and the Team
had adapted amazingly to the challenges faced.
In March
2020, the Government instructed local authorities to accommodate all rough
sleepers, through the “Everyone In” scheme. Locally 150 vulnerable people had
been accommodated and a benefit to come from this had been engagement with some
individuals who had previously refused help. Some challenges resulting from the
scheme had been anti-social behaviour, costs of
accommodation and future accommodation options. It was noted that VIVID Housing
Association had provided significant support during this time.
The
Committee was advised of the outreach work that had taken place. It was noted
that some individuals had refused the offer of accommodation and the Team had
provided PPE, food parcels, sleeping bags, support and continued offers of
accommodation during the height of the pandemic. It was report that four individuals had remained on the street.
It was
advised that the eviction ban on private and social tenants was expected to
remain in place until May, 2021.The Team had been working with landlords and
tenants to resolve issues and were proactively looking to provide alternative
accommodation where possible in cases where eviction was pending and matters
couldn’t be resolved.
Ms Hellicar explained the Housing First project, a scheme
being carried out in partnership with Two Saints and VIVID Housing Associations
to house the Boroughs most vulnerable residents. In April 2021, five units,
provided by VIVID, would be available for use in this project. The Council
would identify individuals who would benefit the most from the scheme and Two
Saints would deliver the intensive support required to each resident. It was
noted that an application had been made for five additional properties through
the Rough Sleeper Fund.
Moving
forward, it was noted that a small team would return to the office in April,
2021 to deal with demand. It was thought that demand would relate to eviction,
the rise in unemployment figures and relationship and mental health breakdown.
A new customer online portal and software package was also planned to be introduced
to assist with demand. In addition, it was noted that the Rough Sleeper
Strategy was due to be presented to Cabinet in April, 2021 for adoption. The Team
would also continue to build on the work with partners particularly around the
development of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy.
The
Committee discussed the presentation and raise a number of concerns. In response to a query regarding the numbers
on the housing list it was noted that the Team had not seen a big influx, with
the number remaining at around 1,400 – 1,500. It was thought this could
increase as the situation evolved.
With regard
to bed and breakfast accommodation, it was noted that the duration of a stay
was limited wherever possible and suitable alternatives were sought quickly.
Alternative accommodation, such as housing pods/containers, had been considered
but it had been found that installation of services could be expensive
depending on the site. However, if the right site became available this option
could be considered moving forward.
Following a
discussion on Clayton Court, it was noted that negotiations were underway to
consider extending the lease on the property. It was advised that the site
wasn’t always appropriate and options for alternative temporary accommodation
were being considered to add to the portfolio of available temporary housing.
It was noted that currently there were two empty rooms in Clayton Court.
The
Chairman congratulated and thanked Ms Hellicar and her team for the work they had carried out
over the past twelve months.