Issue - meetings

INFORMATION NOTE OF THE STRATEGIC HOUSING MANAGER

An update on the demand for accommodation and support services for single homeless people.

RESOLVED: That the Information Note entitled Update on the Demand for Accommodation and Support Services for Single Homeless People be noted.

Audio Recording – 30:30

Councillor Sean Prendergast presented the report entitled Update on the Demand for Accommodation and Support Services for Single Homeless People including:

·         Important that Members and the public are aware of the demand for accommodation and support services for single homeless people in the district;

·         Large increase in demand since the start of the pandemic;

·         Requirement on all local authorities to provide emergency accommodation for those approaching as homeless or are a priority need;

·         The pandemic saw everyone in including those at risk of rough-sleeping; a large number of those were placed in hotels due to a lack of capacity in purpose built accommodation;

·         Over the last two years there has been a cost to the Council of over £400,000 and there are still a high level of people in hotels, which is not sustainable;

·         Over 60% have two or more support needs with poor mental health being the most common;

·         Still a high hotel use and gaps in provision, which highlights the importance in continuing to support homelessness services.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·         Councillor Ian Albert

·         Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

RESOLVED: That the Information Note entitled Update on the Demand for Accommodation and Support Services for Single Homeless People be noted.