Agenda item - Homelessness Policy Petition recommendations

Report of Acting Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

(1)          That it be agreed that inspection outcomes and satisfaction surveys are reported to Committee twice a year.

(2)       That further consideration of this item be undertaken and a further report be brought to the next Housing and New Homes Committee to enable:

a)    The Emergency and Temporary Housing Residents Action Group (ETHRAG) to consider with members and supporters and put forward comments.

b)    Details to be provided of sites under consideration for the provision of low cost emergency accommodation.

c)    Development of proposals for joint working between ETHRAG, service providers, landlords, council officers and members to meet together to drive up standards, increase satisfaction and develop recommendations to Housing and New Homes Committee.

d)    A report on recognition of ETHRAG with suggestions for partnership working with this group to be presented to the next Housing and New Homes Committee.

22.1   The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Economy Environment & Culture which explained that following a petition submitted to full Council by Daniel Harris, the Council and Housing & New Homes Committee were requested to consider a range of recommendations regarding temporary accommodation. The recommendations had been considered and the findings set out in the report. The report was presented by the Acquisitions Manager.

22.2   Councillor Lewry referred to page 89 -  paragraph d) relating to a review of the no visitor rule. He questioned whether the response was a breach of human rights.  The response seemed harsh and he asked if visitors could be vetted. 

22.3   The Acquisitions Manager drew attention to page 90 which discussed alternative provision.  It was stressed that allowing unfettered access had been problematic in the past.  The council were exploring with suppliers whether households could gain access to friends and family whilst protecting residents. 

22.4   Councillor Moonan welcomed the response to the petition’s recommendations.  Satisfaction surveys would be useful.  The council did have contracts with temporary providers and were monitoring contracts. She welcomed the establishment of ETHRAG and proposed that she and Councillor Hill attend the next meeting of the Group.  Councillors Moonan and Hill wanted to hold a joint surgery, to enable residents in temporary accommodation to talk to them if there was anything in the contract that was not being adhered to.  The priority was to move people through emergency accommodation.  

22.5   Councillor Gibson stressed the importance of recognising ETHRAG’s efforts and achievements. He considered that the recommendations in the report did not go far enough.  Councillor Gibson wanted to see the recommendations deferred until the next meeting of the Committee and proposed the following amendment:

          “To add an additional recommendation 2.2 as follows:

          That further consideration of this item be undertaken and a further report be brought to the next Housing and New Homes Committee to enable:

a)    The Emergency and Temporary Housing Residents Action Group (ETHRAG) to consider with members and supporters and put forward comments.

b)    Details to be provided of sites under consideration for the provision of low cost emergency accommodation.

c)     Development of proposals for joint working between ETHRAG, service providers, landlords, council officers and members to meet together to drive up standards, increase satisfaction and develop recommendations to Housing and New Homes Committee.

d)  A report on recognition of ETHRAG with suggestions for partnership working with this group to be presented to the next Housing and New Homes Committee.”

22.6   The amendment was seconded by Councillor Mears.

22.7   Councillor Moonan stated that she was happy to support the amendment with the exception of b) as this needed further work.  This would provide an opportunity to improve dialogue and the residents’ experience.

22.8   The Chair explained that Councillor Hill was Lead Councillor for the Private Rented Sector. Councillor Moonan was Lead Councillor for Rough Sleepers.  They would hold a surgery without officers.

22.9   Councillor Hill reported that she had been contacted by people who had issues with temporary accommodation.  Some wanted visitors and others did not.  There were a wide range of people in temporary accommodation, including people with small children and many with issues.  Councillor Hill stated that council contractors were looking at funding for the installation of Wi Fi.  There had been discussions about having welcome packs in temporary accommodation.  These could include basic toiletries, basic food, information about a mentoring scheme and contact information.    

22.10  Councillor Druitt asked why there was an objection to section b) of the amendment.  The Head of Housing replied that the new build programme had not progressed to the extent that details could be provided.  This section of the amendment was therefore not recommended.

22.11  The Director, Economy, Environment and Culture informed the Committee that if the amendment was passed, officers would bring as much detail as possible to the next meeting; however he stressed that it was necessary to consider the ability for officers to deliver within diminishing resources.

22.12  The Committee voted on the amendment set out at 22.5 and the amendment was unanimously agreed.

22.13  RESOLVED:-

(1)            That it be agreed that inspection outcomes and satisfaction surveys are reported to Committee twice a year.

(2)      That further consideration of this item be undertaken and a further report be brought to the next Housing and New Homes Committee to enable:

a)  The Emergency and Temporary Housing Residents Action Group (ETHRAG) to consider with members and supporters and put forward comments.

b)    Details to be provided of sites under consideration for the provision of low cost emergency accommodation.

c)     Development of proposals for joint working between ETHRAG, service providers, landlords, council officers and members to meet together to drive up standards, increase satisfaction and develop recommendations to Housing and New Homes Committee.

d)  A report on recognition of ETHRAG with suggestions for partnership working with this group to be presented to the next Housing and New Homes Committee.