Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Munsur Ali (CoL PAB), Deputy Marianne Fredericks, Henrika Priest, Deputy Natsha Lloyd-Owen, and Mark Wheatley.

Munsur Ali, Deputy Marianne Fredericks, and Mark Wheatley attended the meeting virtually.

There were no declarations.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the meeting held on 4 October 2024.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting held on 4October 2023 be approved as a correct record.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members received a report of the Town Clerk setting out the Sub Committee’s outstanding actions list.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the report.

Report of the Town Clerk.

Members considered updates to the Sub Committee’s Terms of Reference.

In response to a question, Members were informed that legislation does not allow for external members to have voting rights. It was discussed that as the Sub Committee does not have decision-making power, external members may have advising rights. Members were informed that any disagreement of an external member to the voting outcome would be recorded in the minutes.

RESOLVED – that the Sub Committee recommend the Community and Children’s Services Committee to approve the updated Terms of Reference.

Executive Director of Community & Children’s Services to be heard. Presentation by City & Hackney Public Health.

The Sub Committee received a presentation from City & Hackney Public Health on Substance Misuse and Rough Sleeping.

A query was raised about the central government’s approach impact locally. Members were informed that there is a specific City of London Working Group with five strategic aims. A treatment grant is included in the public health budget, which is comparative to the size of the City.

In response to a question, Members were informed that the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant was researching the impacts of grant funding. Also, that Loughborough University was researching substance use spaces generally.

Members were informed that more accommodation space would be needed for a housing first provision. However, these provisions fluctuate with the national context and market forces.  

The Chair thanked City & Hackney Public Health for the presentation.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.

Report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services on the Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre Update.

A query was raised concerning the equalities implications and if the centre had undergone an impact assessment. Members were informed that an impact assessment was undertaken during the tender process. The assessment resulted in a lack of mobility accessibility due to the building and its location.

A member requested published communications that could be distributed to the public with information about the Centre. Members were informed that a press release is ready to go.

Concerns were raised about the provisional opening date of the centre and the likelihood of opening on time. Members were informed that the practical completion certificate had been granted and all is in place for the opening of 13 March barring any further external factors.

In response to a question, Members were informed that the service provider will be constantly reviewing the service and user feedback.

Members were reminded that this centre is just one option available to rough sleepers. This centre is for temporary and immediate housing before re-sheltering individuals to a more suitable long-term accommodation.

The Chair thanked all those involved in the project.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the update.

Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the report.

Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members discussed the non-public appendix and budget relating to this item in the Non-Public session.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the report.

Report of the City of London Police.

The Sub Committee received a report of the City of London Police.

Members were informed that the majority of the beggars in The City are not rough sleeping in the City, and travel in from other areas. Members were reminded that the City of London Police continue to work with the Metropolitan and British Transport Police.

Members requested a detailed Equality Impact Assessment, and if it will include all protected characteristics. Members were informed that a review is being coordinated regarding this assessment.  

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee:

1)     Note the report; and

2)     Request a detailed Equality Impact Assessment.

Report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members were informed that the increase of rough sleeping in the City was also observed nationwide.

Members requested that comparative numbers be included in future reports to seek any insights.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the report.

There were no questions.

There was no other business.

MOTION – that, under Section 100(a) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act

RESOLVED– that, under Section 100(a) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

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Appendix to Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a non-public appendix to the SWEP Planning Report and discussed its budget.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee:

1)      Note the report; and

2)     Recommend Option C to the Grand Committee. 

The Sub Committee received a non-public appendix to the SWEP Planning Report and discussed its budget.

In response to a question, Members were informed that SWEP is responsive to the weather. If shelters were always ready for SWEP, then accommodations and materials would be in reserve and not able to meet potential demand. Members were informed that Option C would allow for a supplier to operate another shelter.

Members discussed the potential of an additional space at total cost of ownership. This would allow for a general use space and could add a commercial element by making it available to other councils. However, this would be a long-term plan.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee:

1)      Note the report; and

2)     Recommend Option C to the Grand Committee. 

The City of London Police to be heard.

The Sub Committee received a non-public update on a drug related incident in neighbouring boroughs.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the update.

There were no non-public questions.

There was no other business.