Agenda item

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

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services on Operation Luscombe, updating on the services and impact of the hub.

Members were informed that this review analysed the effectiveness, practicalities, and helpfulness of the hub to those rough sleeping and homeless in The City. The majority of the attendants to the hub are those begging in The City, of which only 20% are rough sleeping or homeless in The City. Therefore, the Sub Committee must review its support of the hub and the best means forward to provide the best support for those who are rough sleeping and homeless, not just begging in The City.

Concerns were raised about the outreach to those rough sleeping and homeless in The City and what communication and actions are being made to collaborate with the City of London Police in reaching out to these individuals. Members were informed that whilst the hub works for the City of London Police, it does not provide a clinical assessment, and therefore those with vulnerabilities can only be assisted if they chose to disclose such information.  A drug and alcohol outreach programme are present and available for those who which to take it up on their own accord.

In response to a question, Members were informed that beggars can receive a substantive amount of cash. However, there is no easy was to prevent members of the public from distributing their cash to beggars.

Members were reminded that many of those attending the hub are not eligible for the services offered, as they are neither rough sleeping nor homeless in The City. Therefore, by attending the hub they are being prevented from accessing services that could benefit them. The focus of the Sub Committee is Homelessness and Rough Sleeping and not begging in isolation. The hub will continue until another programme is confirmed.

RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee note the update.