Agenda item

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

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services concerning national and localised data released and analysed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in relation to the 2021 Rough Sleeping Snapshot.

It was reported that the City of London has seen a third annual reduction in Rough Sleeping Snapshot numbers.

A Member noted that the report’s findings of a reduction in rough sleeping contradicts the general perception of the public. It was noted that there is a lack of understanding about the difference between homelessness, rough sleeping and begging. The Sub Committee discussed the importance of communications in sharing the work that is being carried out to reduce homelessness. Members noted that the City of London Corporation website would be updated to provide information about this work.

A Member noted that the rough sleeping snapshot for England showed that the figures for rough sleeping in the North East were significantly lower than other regions and questioned if there was a practice that the City of London could emulate. Officers informed the Sub Committee that they would explore this.

In response to a question, Members were informed of the methods Officers can use to identify those who may fall into homelessness.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.