Issue - meetings

To review the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for public consultation.

Steph Green introduced the Housing, Homelessness, and Rough Sleeping Strategy report which emphasised the need for a new strategy to be published by Spring 2025, as required by the Homelessness Act 2002. The report outlined the findings from the Homelessness Review and proposed three key strategic areas; partnership working, identifying opportunities to address housing needs, and proactive homelessness prevention with an effective service response. The committee was asked to approve the draft strategy for public consultation.

The Committee raised concern regarding A2 Dominion, who were the largest provider of social housing stock, however they had not upheld a good reputation from tenants. Members put forward the suggestion for Knowle Green Estates to become a registered provider to replace A2Dominion as Spelthorne’s main housing provider, though the Deputy Chief Executive noted this would be a lengthy process and that the Council will be considering a range of options for KGE. The Committee additionally inquired about the implementation of homelessness prevention measures, who were the most vulnerable groups, and what were the main causes of homelessness in the borough. It was revealed that there are 234 households in Spelthorne who were in emergency accommodation, with Section 21 notices and family evictions being the main causes of homelessness in Spelthorne.

The Committee reinforced the need for the Council to influence better outcomes for residents, and in particular emphasised the need to provide dedicated support to domestic abuse victims. The Assistant Strategic Lead Housing confirmed that the Council relied on available lettings from providers, and an outreach service who offered first hand support in the reduction of rough sleepers. The Sanctuary Scheme was also in place to provide additional security to victims of domestic abuse. The Group Head, Community Wellbeing agreed to explore expanding the support options for domestic abuse victims, however it was important to manage client expectations amidst the national housing crisis which the Council faced.

The Committee resolved to approve the draft Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for public consultation as set out in option one of the report.