Agenda item

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

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning a summary of progress against the aims set out in the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023–2027.

The following points were noted:

·        Progress Against Aims: The report provided a summary of progress against the aims set out in the current strategy. Out of 38 actions, 13 have been completed, which is three more than in the last period. One new action has been added, bringing the total number of actions to 471.

·        Performance Scorecard: Despite a headline trend indicating rising rough sleeping, there was a slight decrease in rough sleeping in Q2. However, there was an increase in rough sleepers using encampments, possibly due to additional work at Castle Baynard St and Peninsula House. Accommodation outcomes increased slightly by quarter but were significantly higher this year compared to the same period last year.

·        Priority Area 3 - Working Collaboratively: There was a discussion about the duty to refer, with questions about the predominant sources of referrals and the quality of the details provided. It was noted that probation services, hospitals, and other homelessness support services are the main sources of referrals.

·        SWEP Activation: The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated once so far, from 19 to 21 November, and extended to 25 November. A total of 40 people were placed in SWEP, with 88 offers made. This was the highest uptake to date, with 50% of offers accepted.

·        Resource Gap: There was a discussion about the resource gap and the need for a paper outlining what resources would be required to have a more flexible or lower threshold for SWEP activation. It was suggested that understanding the resource implications would help in taking conversations forward in the most appropriate places.