Issue - meetings

Consideration of the recommendations of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of a draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy and action plan

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of a stakeholder consultation of the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 and Action Plan in April/May 2026.  Following consultation, the final draft strategy would be presented to Cabinet in summer 2026 and subsequently implemented.

Due regard was given to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications. 

On the grounds that the prevention of homelessness and ending rough sleeping was a key priority for the Borough Council, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Keers seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED: That

(1)        the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 (attached at Annex 1), be approved for consultation.

(Decision Notice D260041CAB)

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of a stakeholder consultation of the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 and Action Plan in April/May 2026.  Following consultation, the final draft strategy would be presented to Cabinet in summer 2026 and subsequently implemented.

Due regard was given to the views of the Scrutiny Select Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications. 

On the grounds that the prevention of homelessness and ending rough sleeping was a key priority for the Borough Council, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Keers seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED: That the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 (attached at Annex 1), be approved for consultation.

The report seeks Cabinet approval of a draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy and action plan for both Member and stakeholder consultation.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services sought approval of a draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 and Action Plan for consultation.

Particular reference was made to central Government’s long-term vision for homelessness, as set out in the ‘National Plan to end Homelessness’, which formed the policy basis for the Borough Councils new Strategy and Action Plan (attached at Annexes 1 and 2 respectively).

There was detailed discussion in respect of the high demand for one-bedroom homes, the prevalence of out of borough placements and the Borough Council’s efforts to increase local temporary accommodation.  The challenges in funding and delivering suitable units, especially given grant rate limitations and operational risks was noted.  It was also explained that whilst funding opportunities could be explored, priorities had focused on managing financial risks associated with temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, the Borough Council was not currently set up for large-scale operational management of additional units and any expansion would require careful consideration of ongoing costs.

Finally, it was explained that a proposed  ‘lived experience’ advisory panel aimed to ensure that feedback from those with direct knowledge and experience of accessing homelessness services informed ongoing improvements.

In recognition that preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping was a key priority area for the Borough Council, Cllr King proposed, Cllr Dalton seconded and it was

*RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)        the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 (attached at Annex 1) be approved for consultation.

*Recommended to Cabinet