Issue - meetings

Cabinet RESOLVED that the draft Homelessness Strategy, attached to the report, be approved.

The covering report, Strategy and Action Plan form part of the agenda papers; the Review and Equality Impact Assessment are available for viewing on the Council’s website, www.scambs.gov.uk

Cabinet RESOLVED that the draft Homelessness Strategy, attached to the report, be approved.

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented a report seeking Cabinet approval for the Homelessness Strategy for 2008 – 2013. 

Drawing on key indicators and feedback from partnership agencies, the Portfolio Holder paid tribute to the housing team and said that the Council’s ethos of acting to prevent homelessness had paid dividends and had been built into the new strategy.

In reply to a question concerning the possibility of young, single, men falling through the support net, the Corporate Manager for Affordable Homes, advised that all cases were assessed on a “priority need” basis.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the draft Homelessness Strategy, attached to the report, be approved.

The Housing and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder APPROVED the draft Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013 for consultation.

Decision taken and published on 28 April 2008; call-in expires 6 May 2008; decision can be implemented from 7 May 2008 if not called-in. 

Due to the size of the document, the papers relating to the Homelessness Review are not included in the paper version of the agenda pack, however it can be viewed on the Council’s website and a copy is available to view from Democratic Services.

The Housing and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder APPROVED the draft Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013 for consultation.

The draft Homelessness Strategy focussed on prevention, building on the previous strategy, and included associated action plans arising from the Service Plan.  A lack of resources for young people had been identified and officers were looking at a possible sub-regional scheme with the Council’s partners.  Given the current economic climate, the Council was preparing for an elevated level of enquiries about repossessions and was developing service level agreements with the local Citizens’ Advice Bureaux about debt management.

The Housing and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder APPROVED the draft Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013 for consultation and wished the Housing Advice and Options Manager all the best in her future role as director of Wintercomfort.